A sample preparation technique for infrared analysis of aqueous samples

Traditional sample preparation methods for infrared (IR) analysis of water-containing and solid materials are often time-consuming and difficult to prepare and clean up. A disposable IR card can be used to analyze a wide variety of these solid and liquid materials with minimal effort. This article compares sample preparation procedures and the resulting spectra for some water-containing or water-soluble materials and a soluble solid, using conventional IR accessories and the IR card. Applications include surfactant analysis and raw materials testing. The IR card is useful in any laboratory that performs large numbers of raw materials tests, in-process monitoring, or finished product testing.