Stains, oily films, white residues or foreign particles on a product cause coating and adhesion failures, visual rejects and customer complaints. In contamination analysis the residue is identified and compared with materials used in production (oils, release agents, cleaning agents, packaging) to find its source. Analysis is performed on an FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometer using the ATR (attenuated total reflection) technique; solid, liquid, paste and film samples are usually measured without preparation. The spectrum is compared with reference libraries to identify the material.
Identified
- Oil, grease, silicone and mould release residues on surfaces
- Stains, films and deposits
- Visible foreign particles and fibres
- Comparison with suspected source materials
Reference Standard
- ASTM E1252 – General techniques for obtaining infrared spectra for qualitative analysis
Samples
Send the contaminated part, a clean part where possible, and the suspected source materials (oil, cleaning agent etc.) together. Do not touch the surface with bare hands and send the sample in clean packaging.