Which FTIR preparation for polystyrene?

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SUMMARY

For analyzing polystyrene using FTIR, the recommended sample preparation involves creating a KBr disk for solid samples. Liquid preparations using solvents like toluene are unsuitable due to structural similarities with polystyrene. A small ball mill, specifically the Wig-L-Bug, is effective for grinding polystyrene into fine particles for this preparation method. This approach ensures accurate trace element analysis without interference from similar compounds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) principles
  • Familiarity with KBr disk preparation techniques
  • Knowledge of sample grinding methods, specifically using a Wig-L-Bug
  • Awareness of solvent interactions, particularly with aromatic compounds
NEXT STEPS
  • Research KBr disk preparation for FTIR analysis
  • Learn about the operation and maintenance of the Wig-L-Bug ball mill
  • Explore alternative grinding techniques for polymer samples
  • Investigate the effects of solvent choice on FTIR results
USEFUL FOR

Chemists, materials scientists, and laboratory technicians involved in polymer analysis and FTIR spectroscopy will benefit from this discussion.

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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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