Analysis of MNPs

The main goal of subsequent MP analysis is the identification of different polymer types in order to verify candidate particles as MP. So far, two main analytical principles were established for MP: spectroscopy and thermoanalysis (Primpke et al., 2020)

We house over a variety of different high precision instruments for the analysis of samples.

The image gives an overview of different instruments and their range of applications.

It is necessary to distinguish between instrumentation that can be used in a field study, e.g. to presample and then decide what should be taken for a thorough investigation to the laboratory.

There is a broad agreement in the field that the analytical problem of detection, identification and quantification might make a great step forward by exploiting the synergy between different analytical techniques, each able to provide all the further information needed for NPs recognition and quantification.

Collection of Chemical Fingerprints

Building a comprehensive database of plastic reference materials involves defining their chemical fingerprint. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy are the most promising techniques for this purpose. FTIR measures the absorption of infrared radiation by plastics and creates a unique spectrum for each material, helping to identify different types of plastics and their additives. Raman spectroscopy, on the other hand, provides detailed information about molecular vibrations, making it effective in detecting crystalline regions and identifying polymers and additives. These two techniques complement each other and provide a robust approach to characterizing plastics.

For each of these plastics, we have collected their chemical fingerprints using Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These techniques provide detailed molecular-level information that is crucial for identifying and characterizing different plastic materials. The use of standardized reference materials, as advocated by NIST, ensures that the data collected is reliable and comparable across different settings.

To enhance the robustness of the database, we have sourced samples from multiple suppliers. This approach helps capture the variability in material properties due to differences in manufacturing processes and raw material sources. It ensures that the database is comprehensive and can serve as a reliable reference for a wide range of applications.

What will the PlastTrack Toolbox include?

So far:

  1. Confocal Raman Microscope
  2. NanoFTIR
  3. mIRage – correlated Fluorescence microscopy and sub-micron IR spectroscopy.
  4. Stimulated Raman Microscope
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