FTIR at TUCAB: Advanced Analysis of Raw Materials for Quality Assurance
At TUCAB®, quality begins with the raw material. Each tube, profile, seal or filament produced in our facilities is the result of a rigorous technical process where nothing is left to chance. To ensure the conformity, purity and performance of our products, we use advanced laboratory technologies – including FTIR – Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
What is FTIR?
FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) is an analytical technique that allows materials to be identified based on their spectrum. molecular. When an infrared beam passes through a sample, its chemical bonds absorb radiation at specific wavelengths, creating a unique "spectrum" – a kind of chemical fingerprint of the material.
This spectrum is then compared with a database of known polymers and compounds, allowing:
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Accurate identification of the type of polymer (e.g. PVC, PE, SEBS, PP, etc.)
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Detection of impurities or undeclared additives
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Verification of recycled and composite batches
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Comparison between suppliers
How is it used at TUCAB?
TUCAB's FTIR spectrometer is used in several stages of quality control:
1. Reception of Raw Materials
Before being approved for production, the materials are analyzed in the laboratory. For example:
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A batch of PVC is analyzed to confirm that it does not contain inappropriate plasticizers or residues of other polymers.
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A shipment of recycled SEBS is checked to ensure the absence of mineral fillers or unwanted admixtures common with some suppliers.
2. Supplier Validation
Comparing samples from different suppliers ensures technical consistency. Even if two batches appear identical visually, FTIR can reveal significant differences at the molecular level.
Practical example:
Two suppliers ship PP for the production of flexible pipes. Both with similar technical details. FTIR analysis shows that one of them contains traces of PE, which may affect the flexibility, strength and adhesion of the final product.
3. Recycled Control
In products that accept recycled raw materials (e.g. Fil2ndLife line or some industrial seals and profiles), FTIR is essential to ensure that the batches do not contain contaminants or incompatible polymers.
4. Research and Development
In the development phases of new products or formulations, FTIR helps to:
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Compare prototypes with existing products on the market
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Adjust formulations based on spectral analysis
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Validate the impact of new additives or plasticizers
Advantages of FTIR analysis at TUCAB
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Speed and accuracy: complete analysis in less than 2 minutes
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Non-destructive method: the sample does not need to be destroyed or dissolved
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High reproducibility: consistent results between different batches
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Customized database: adapted to the raw materials used in TUCAB
Example of practical application
In the production of medical tubes, the requirements are extremely strict: the PVC used must be phthalate-free and contaminant-free. FTIR allows you to detect even small variations in the formulation. The spectral analysis of each batch is archived and associated with the traceability of the final product, ensuring safety and compliance with standards such as ISO 13485.
FTIR as a traceability tool
Infrared spectroscopy allows TUCAB to not only validate the input of raw materials, but also guarantee traceability in the event of audits or complaints. Each spectrum can be archived and associated with the corresponding production batch, forming an essential technical history.
Sustainability with control
The incorporation of recycled materials requires additional rigor. By using FTIR, we are able to identify unwanted mixtures that could compromise future recyclability or product quality. This allows us to maintain our commitment to the circular economy, without compromising on technical performance.
Conclusion
At TUCAB, quality is more than a promise – it is an applied science. FTIR spectroscopy represents one of the pillars of our quality control system, ensuring that each product delivered to our customers meets the most demanding specifications, from the origin of the raw material to the final application.
TUCAB® – Quality starts at the origin.
Leiria, Portugal | tucab.pt