OPTIMIZATION OF SAMPLE PACKING IN DIFFUSE-REFLECTANCE INFRARED-SPECTROSCOPY

Parameters of sample packing in diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transfo rm spectroscopy (DRIFTS) have been investigated and optimized. One MPa pressure applied for 1 min was found to provide simultaneously at lea st +/-3% reproducibility and appropriate band intensity. It has been a lso demonstrated that this precision can be obtained if the sample mas s is controlled to +/-2% and the sample is dry. A simple sample packin g accessory was designed and constructed for reproducible sample prepa ration. Quartz concentration of dust samples has been determined and g ood agreement has been found with the results of the conventional pell et technique.