Macro FTIR imaging in transmission under a controlled environment

New development in macro FTIR imaging with the use of a specially built accessory has been demonstrated. This accessory expands the possible applications of using macro FTIR imaging in the study of samples under a controlled environment. This new accessory enables the samples (such as films) to be measured in the horizontal position with macro FTIR imaging in transmission. This adds to the flexibility of the sample arrangement and provides the opportunity to use the controlled environment cell for macro FTIR imaging. Using this approach, the crystallisation and the polymorphic changes of amorphous nifedipine film has been monitored by using FTIR imaging over an area of 3.8 mm x 3.8 mm under a controlled humidity and temperature environment. The demonstrated imaging approach may impact areas as diverse as polymeric and biomedical materials, pharmaceuticals and high-throughput analysis. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.