Contaminant Analysis Using EDXIR-Analysis Software for Combined EDX-FTIR Analysis

Importance of the Topic

Rapid and accurate identification of contaminants is essential to prevent equipment damage, ensure product quality, and maintain safety in industrial and environmental systems. Combined EDX and FTIR analysis provides complementary elemental and molecular information, improving diagnostic confidence.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the use of Shimadzu EDXIR-Analysis software to streamline identification of contaminants through integrated analysis of EDX and FTIR data. The software incorporates a rich database of real-world samples and a proprietary algorithm to match unknown contaminants against known profiles.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Software Workflow
  • EDXIR-Analysis library of 485 entries with mixed inorganic and organic data
  • Classification by scattered X-ray intensity into inorganic, mixed, or organic groups
  • Combined analysis using a proprietary algorithm to correlate EDX and FTIR data
  • Capability to add new sample data to a user library for continuous improvement
• Instrument Settings
  • FTIR Analysis
    • Instrument IRAffinity-1S with MIRacle10 accessory (Ge and diamond prisms)
    • Resolution 4 cm-1, accumulation 40 scans, Happ-Genzel apodization, DLATGS detector
  • EDX Analysis
    • Instrument EDX-8000 with Rh X-ray tube
    • Voltage 15 kV for light elements, 50 kV for Ti-U range; vacuum atmosphere
    • Measurement diameter 1 mm and 3 mm, integration time 100 sec per channel

Main Results and Discussion

• Contaminant A from a water filter was identified as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber containing calcium carbonate and zinc stearate with a match score of 0.93, demonstrating effective combined analysis.
• Contaminant B with metallic luster was analyzed by EDX alone and matched stainless steel pad materials (Fe, Cr, Ni), confirming that single-technique analysis can suffice for purely inorganic samples.
• Contaminant C appeared organic and was correctly identified as polypropylene film by FTIR, showing that single-technique FTIR analysis can accurately characterize organic contaminants.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simplified workflow reduces the need for specialized expertise in interpreting separate EDX and FTIR results.
• Expandable database allows continuous addition of new sample data, enhancing retrieval accuracy over time.
• Automatic report generation in standard and Word formats facilitates documentation in QA/QC and regulatory environments.

Future Trends and Applications

• Integration of machine learning models to predict contaminant composition and accelerate matching algorithms.
• Expansion of the database with diverse industrial and environmental samples to broaden applicability.
• Coupling with additional spectroscopic and imaging techniques for multi-modal contaminant characterization.

Conclusion

EDXIR-Analysis software offers a robust platform for rapid, accurate contaminant identification by integrating EDX and FTIR data within a comprehensive database. Its user-friendly workflow, expandable library, and reporting capabilities make it valuable for research, QA/QC, and industrial maintenance.

References

Shimadzu Application News A522A, First Edition September 2016 and Second Edition February 2017