Analyzers to follow ISO 24187:2023

Bruker has pioneered at the side of scientists and researchers in the field of microplastics research for nearly a decade. Several molecular spectroscopy techniques are currently used to detect and chemically identify these small plastic particles. In particular, ISO 24187 mentions:

• FT-IR microscopy and imaging; easy to use, incredibly robust, unbiased. FT-IR spectroscopy has been at the forefront of microplastics analysis and is, by today standards, the mostly developed analytical technique to assess microplastic contamination.
  
• IR laser microscopy and imaging; high-speed imaging capabilities allow unsurpassed sample throughput in microplastics analysis. The spectral data, though not coming close to the information density of FT-IR, is usually enough to provide characterization of polymers.
  
• Raman microscopy and imaging; highest spatial resolution in molecular microscopy down into the sub-micrometer domain. Very good sample preparation, however, is a key factor in acquiring usable Raman data. Additionally, fluoresence and other effects make Raman less robust.
  
  

Although Bruker offers all technologies mentioned in the new ISO 24187:2023, we have a clear recommendation for reliable, day-to-day microplastics analysis: FT-IR microscopy and imaging.

Its incredible ease of use and  robustness make it the best choice for routine, high-throughput analysis. It is not affected by fluorescence or lack of visual contrast. In fact, we coined the term "FT-IR is king in microplastics" - and with good reason. Visit our website on microplastics or download our whitepaper to learn why: