Differentiation of multilayered automotive coatings with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive Xray spectrometer

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive Xray spectrometer to identify different automotive coatings for forensic purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Two four-layered samples in a hit-and-run case were compared layer by layer with three different methods. FTIR spectroscopy was used to primarily identify the organic and inorganic compositions. Raman spectrum and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive Xray spectrometer (SEM-EDS) were further used to complement the FTIR results.

Findings

Two weak and tiny peaks in one layer found between two samples by FTIR, Raman microscope and SEM-EDS verified the result of differences. The study used the three instruments in combination and found it’s effective in sensing coatings, especially in the inorganic additives.

Research limitations/implications

Using these three instruments in combination is more accurate than individually in multilayered coating analysis for forensic purpose.

Practical implications

The three different instruments all present unique information on the composition, and provided similar and mutually verifiable results on the two samples.

Originality/value

With this method, scientists could identify and discriminate important coating evidences with tiny but characteristic differences.

Citation

Chu, L., Guo, C., Zhang, Q., Wang, Q., Ge, Y., Hao, M. and Lv, J. (2024), "Differentiation of multilayered automotive coatings with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive Xray spectrometer", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 53 No. 1, pp. 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-04-2022-0047