Analytical Mapping
Analytical spectroscopic mapping combines infrared chemical identification with spatial array detection to map chemical compositions across textile surfaces. In quality verification laboratories, FPA ATR-FTIR micro-imaging inspects localized distribution of hydrophobic coatings and chemical finishes on individual yarns and fibers. The method yields microscopic spatial heatmaps showing chemical functional group absorption intensities.
The analytical boundary is defined by the germanium crystal contact area and infrared diffraction limits.
Spectroscopic Array
Focal plane array detectors capture thousands of spatially resolved infrared spectra simultaneously across a grid pattern. Attenuated total reflectance coupling brings a high refractive index crystal into physical contact with the fabric specimen, producing an evanescent wave that penetrates one to two micrometres into the fiber surface. Absorption bands corresponding to specific chemical bonds, such as fluorocarbon carbon-fluorine stretching or silicone silicon-methyl bending, are quantified at every pixel.
Chemical Mapping
Visualizing finish uniformity reveals processing defects that cause localized wetting failures. Mill technical teams utilize distribution heatmaps to detect pad-roll migration, uneven drying rates, or incomplete chemical curing across woven web structures. Uneven finish coverage correlates directly with premature water penetration during hydrostatic pressure testing.
High spatial resolution allows identification of uncoated fiber regions as small as three micrometres across, exposing micro-scale finish voids.
Resolution Limit
Sample contact quality against the ATR crystal governs spectral intensity accuracy. Hard synthetic yarns or textured fabrics create uneven contact pressure, causing potential measurement artifacts across mapped surface areas.
