Which FTIR preparation for polystyrene?

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For analyzing polystyrene using FTIR for trace elements, appropriate sample preparation methods are crucial. Liquid sample preparation is not recommended with solvents like toluene due to structural similarities with polystyrene, which can interfere with the analysis. Instead, solid sample preparation is preferred, specifically using a KBr disk method. To prepare the sample, polystyrene can be ground into a fine powder using a small ball mill, such as a Wig-L-Bug, which facilitates the creation of a uniform mixture for effective analysis. This method ensures that the polystyrene is adequately prepared for FTIR without compromising the integrity of the results.
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If I have some polystyrene and want to analyze it using FTIR for trace elements, what type of sample preparation should I look into? If I were to use a liquid sample preparation, I wouldn't be able to use say, toluene, because the two structures are similar, correct (aromatic)? On the other hand, if I were to use a solid sample preparation by making the KBr disk, could I just have a chunk of polystyrene sandwiched in the middle (how do you grind up small amounts of polystyrene)?
 
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ecnerwalc3321 said:
If I have some polystyrene and want to analyze it using FTIR for trace elements, what type of sample preparation should I look into? If I were to use a liquid sample preparation, I wouldn't be able to use say, toluene, because the two structures are similar, correct (aromatic)? On the other hand, if I were to use a solid sample preparation by making the KBr disk, could I just have a chunk of polystyrene sandwiched in the middle (how do you grind up small amounts of polystyrene)?

We use a small ball mill called a Wig-L-Bug.
 

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