Analyze Asbestos Using DRIFT Spectroscopy

Asbestos is a generic term for a group of naturally occurring complex crystalline silicate minerals with fibrous characteristics. Numerous techniques including infrared spectroscopy have been used to analyze and classify different forms of asbestos. This may be carried out using an infrared microscope or the KBr pellet method. Alternatively, diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) measurements can be taken. The latter has the advantage of low cost, speed, and minimal sample preparation which is crucial for hazardous samples such as asbestos fibers.