Microplastics Raman Spectroscopy Laboratories
Raman microscopy identifies polymers from inelastic light scattering and can be focused on particles smaller than those routinely addressed by infrared microscopy, at the cost of longer measurement times per particle.
What does it measure?
- Polymer identity of individual small particles
- Pigment and additive signatures that can support source attribution
- Counts by polymer type within the fine size fraction
When is it used?
- Investigating the small particle fraction that FTIR cannot resolve
- Confirming ambiguous FTIR identifications
- Research programmes reporting to a low size limit
Sample considerations
- Fluorescence from dyes, biological material or weathering can interfere; laboratories manage this with laser selection and preparation.
- Because measurement is per particle, agree how many particles will be identified rather than expecting every particle on a filter.
Laboratories with relevant capabilities
- MAEON Laboratories (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) — Rubber Testing, Plastics Testing, Polymer Testing
- Japan Polymer Analytical and Research Laboratory India (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) — Polymer Testing, Rubber Testing, Chemical Analysis
- Kiyo R&D Center and Laboratory (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) — Polymer Testing, Plastics Testing, Thermal Analysis
Frequently asked questions
- Will every particle be identified?
- Rarely. Raman identification is per particle, so laboratories identify a defined number or a statistical subset, and the report states how selection was done.
Confirm standard edition, jurisdiction and actual laboratory scope. Service references are not partnerships or endorsements.