Product Note M152 - 12/14

A250/D-P
ALPHA Polymer Analyzer
for Quality Control of Polymers
and Plastics

The ALPHA Polymer Analyzer is a FT-IR spectroscopy For recording the IR-spectrum any sample just has to be
based system for the quick and reliable check of the correct brought into contact with the ATR crystal, independent from
chemical composition of raw material, intermediates and fi- its shape and composition (Fig.1).
nal products. A dedicated software-wizard guides the opera-
tor in a few steps through the complete analysis procedure
from initial sampling, via sample identification to the final
reporting of the analysis result. The simple and intuitive user
interface allows operation even by spectroscopic inexperi-
enced personnel.
For most samples the FT-IR analysis is performed without
sample preparation and without the need of any consum-
ables. Measurement times are typically below 1 minute.
The measurement interface of the ALPHA is a diamond ATR
crystal. Its mechanical and chemical robustness allows even
the analysis of reactive liquid samples like monomers and of
very hard plastics.
Fig.1 Measurement of a plastic spoon with the ALPHA Polymer
Analyzer
System specifications: After the measurement the sample is identified by auto-
matic comparison of its spectrum against spectral data from
Robust and portable ALPHA FT-IR spectrometer system
reference material (Fig.2). The OPUS software comprises
with ATR measurement interface
the QuickCompare method for spectrum comparison to
Intuitive software user interface with dedicated work-
verify the correct composition of known material. A pre-
flow for quality control of polymers and plastics
defined method with a selection of spectra from basic
Footprint: 22x30 cm (including sampling module) polymers, fillers and additives is included. Extension of this
Weight: < 7 kg method and setup of new methods can easily be performed
Spectral range: 375 - 7,500 cm -1 by the operator.
Spectral resolution: better than 2 cm -1
RockSolidTM interferometer: gold mirrors, high through-
put, permanent alignment
Automated instrument tests with integrated polysty-
rene standard
Detector: DTGS
Source: SiC globar
Sealed and desiccated optic
PerformanceGuard: continuous monitoring of all spec-
trometer components, performance and humidity.
Diamond crystal, single reflection, edged in tungsten
carbide
Work disk: stainless steel
Ergonomic one-finger clamp mechanism
Pressure control
Working distance (max. sample height) 20 mm
Fig.2 Verification of the correct sample identity
Perfect for analysis of large samples: approx. 350° free
working area around crystal
For identification of unknown material OPUS provides a
Easy cleaning due to 360° rotation of pressure applicator function to search spectral libraries. Libraries with a selec-
Exchangeable ATR crystal plate (Diamond, Ge) with au- tion of polymers and fillers are included in the ALPHA
tomatic recognition of crystal type and load of suitable Polymer Analyzer package. For extended search functional-
measurement parameters. ity including mixture analysis and automated subtraction the
Easy exchange of ALPHA QuickSnapTM sampling mod- OPUS/SEARCH package is available.
ules with automatic recognition, performance test and
Due to its compact size and durable components the ALPHA
automatic load of measurement parameters. Polymer Analyzer even can be used outside the laboratory,
e.g. in the warehouse or near production sites. Options for
transport and independent operation are available.
Included:
ALPHA-P FT-IR spectrometer with Platinum Diamond-
ATR sampling module
OPUS/MENTOR software package for a time-saving
and reliable FT-IR-analysis
Software-wizard for IR-spectroscopic quality control.
Guides the operator through the complete analysis
procedure from measurement, via spectrum evaluation
to the final generation of the report.
Quick compare method for the verification of the iden-
tity of basic polymers, fillers and additives
BPAD BRUKER ATR Polymer Library
I26929 BRUKER Filler Library
Desiccant
Set of tools
Fig 3: Pressure tips for flat samples (e.g. films) and round samples
Exchangeable pressure stamps; flat surface for foils and (e.g. pellets).
plates, conical surface for pellets and granules
Proven quality
Options: The ALPHA Polymer Analyzer is designed to be used for
A220/D-01HP-U Upgrade of Platinum Diamond-ATR many years. It utilizes modern high quality optical compon-
with high pressure applicator. Allows sensitive mea- ents with a guaranteed long lifetime:
surement of even very hard plastics. 10 years warranty on interferometer, laser and
diamond ATR module
A210/D10 Eco-ATR QuickSnap sampling module with
5 years warranty on IR source
Germanium crystal; particularly suitable for the analysis
of highly absorbing sample (e.g. carbon black polymers)
W303/DU Optical configuration for operation in regions
with high humidity: just ex works
Spectral libraries for the identification of polymers,
fillers and additives; e.g. 1025049 ATR-FTIR Polymer
Library (>10,000 entries), 1816158 Germanium ATR
spectra of o-rings (rubbers)
OPUS/SEARCH software package for unlimited search
functionality (e.g. mixture analysis, information search,
setup of spectra libraries)
Service contracts are available
Installation by a qualified service engineer

Mobility options:
S201/D Carrying case for ALPHA FTIR spectrometer
C6001/D Battery Pack for power supply of ALPHA
FT-IR spectrometer
C295W/D WLAN Adaptation, for wireless operation of
the ALPHA FT-IR spectrometer

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