Development of FT-IR analysis technique using high efficiency polytetrafluoroethylene infrared card for chemical analysis

Abstract

Infrared card (IR card) from thin polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film has been fabricated from commercial thick PTFE film. The major advantages of the IR card include; preparation time and low cost. Cross contamination problem is eliminated since the IR card is disposable and the sample may be preserved on the IR card for future comparison. The commercial IR card can not be employed for volatile liquid, low concentration sample or thin film. In this research, high efficiency thick IR card was fabricated from thin PTFE film. The fabricated IR card was employed for infrared analysis of solids and viscous liquids. The thin PTFE film is expected to enhance sensitivity when employed as substrate for thin film sample adhered onto the surface of various substrates. In addition, IR card from thin PTFE film can be used to analyze volatile liquids. By depositions minute amount of liquid sample onto the first IR card, then place the second IR card on top of the first IR card. The "sandwich" sample cell is obtained. This is known as the capillary thin film. The sample can be placed directly onto the sample holder in the sample chamber for further characterization. This superior sensitivity promises the IR card from the thin PTFE film as a tool for forensic analysis.