ChaMiFuG (Characterization of Microscopic Properties and Functional Groups in heterogeneous Geomaterials) utilizes SMART-FTIR, combining digital portable microscopes and ATR-FTIR for effective low-cost physicochemical analysis. It includes a spectrometer with a base and working platform, a microscope mounted on the base, and a computing device that connects with both. It captures images of geomaterial specimens, obtains IR spectra, and transmits them to the computing device. The device analyzes the data, determines microscopic physical properties, compares IR spectra with references, and identifies functional groups, providing comprehensive and cost-effective geomaterial characterization.
Figure 1. The setup with microscope and FTIR working platform encased in the glass chamber.
Current methods for simultaneous characterization of the microscopic properties and functional groups present in heterogeneous geomaterials face several significant challenges. Traditional techniques such as optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy are limited by their inability to simultaneously analyze both microscopic physical properties and functional groups. While capable, techniques like µ-FTIR and µ-Raman spectroscopy require highly skilled operators and involve substantial capital and operational expenditures, making them inaccessible to many laboratories and institutions.
- Robust Analysis: This technology reduces the need for highly skilled operators for image and spectrum analysis.
- Cost-Effective: It has lower capital and operational costs compared to traditional µ-FTIR and µ-Raman systems.
- Simultaneous Characterization: It provides both microscopic and chemical (functional group) analysis in one system.
The prototype includes the setup that enables the simultaneous measurement of functional groups and physical characteristics at the microscopic level. The setup with the proposed methodology would help in this measurement.
It has been tested in the lab environment. Since the technique is meant for laboratory applications, it has reached the maximum TRL.
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The setup will assist the scientific community in assessing the contamination induced by the polymers, and organic materials in the environment. Therefore, the research outcomes from using this setup can be useful for environmental toxicity evaluation and remediation.
- Environmental Engineering: Assessment of microplastic contamination
- Recycling Industry: Evaluation of recycled composites
- Construction Industry: Study of construction materials
- Soil Engineering: Analysis of soil cracking characteristics
- Manufacturing: Industrial by-products evaluation
- Other Applications: Landfill operators, Cement factories, Polymer industries, Municipal corporations
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