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

Importance of the Topic

Contaminant analysis in industrial and environmental settings is critical for ensuring product quality, maintaining safety, and diagnosing sources of pollution or defects. Combining elemental and molecular characterization reduces uncertainty and accelerates decision-making in quality control, water treatment, and other sectors.

Study Objectives and Overview

This study demonstrates the application of Shimadzu’s EDXIR-Analysis software for integrated contaminant identification using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The software aims to streamline data interpretation by matching combined EDX and FTIR results against a comprehensive database of actual contaminant samples.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A workflow within EDXIR-Analysis classifies samples as inorganic, organic, or mixed based on EDX scattering intensities, then applies a proprietary algorithm for joint evaluation of EDX and FTIR data. Key instruments and conditions:

• FTIR: IRAffinity-1S with MIRacle10 (ATR with germanium or diamond prism), 4 cm⁻¹ resolution, 40 scans, Happ-Genzel apodization, DLATGS detector.
• EDX: EDX-8000 system with Rh anode X-ray tube; acceleration voltages 15 kV for C–Sc, S–K and 50 kV for Ti–U; vacuum atmosphere; measurement diameters 1 mm and 3 mm; 100 s integration per channel.

Key Results and Discussion

Three contaminants were analyzed:

1. Contaminant A (tap-water filter debris): Combined EDX/FTIR matched acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber with calcium carbonate and zinc stearate (match score 0.93).
2. Contaminant B (metallic particle): Single EDX analysis identified stainless steel (Fe, Cr, Ni) pad without significant organic signal.
3. Contaminant C (plastic fragment): Single FTIR analysis matched polypropylene film, with EDX confirming <1% elemental presence.

These cases illustrate rapid, accurate identification even for mixed materials and highlight how library updates with new samples refine future matching.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated platform offers:

• High-accuracy contaminant identification through combined EDX and FTIR data.
• Access to a proprietary library of 485 real-world samples, including mixed materials.
• Ability to extend the library with user-added data and images.
• Automated report generation in standard or MS Word formats.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include machine-learning-driven spectral analysis, expanded libraries covering emerging material classes, and cloud-based sharing for collaborative quality control. Integration with other microscopy or chromatographic techniques could further enhance contaminant forensics.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s EDXIR-Analysis facilitates efficient, accurate contaminant identification by leveraging combined EDX and FTIR datasets and a specialized sample library. Its user-friendly workflow and extensible database support quality assurance across diverse industrial and environmental applications.