Chemical Testing Methods

The FTIR is a machine that provides is used to obtain a variety of quality information about an object being observed. This device collects data over a wide range and is used to obtain an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission. For starch-based plastics, FTIR spectroscopy is often used to analyze chemical makeup and the results of soil biodegradation for before and after certain experiments were performed.

The SEM is a microscope that is used to examine the morphology of a material. Morphology describes the composition of a specific material. When making bio-plastics, the SEM is used to look at the crystallization/ granulation of the produced bio-plastics (the less crystallization/ granulation the better). It is also used to view the surface of the bio-plastics, which can be rough or smooth.