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Input Requirements

Input file, FTIR measurement, and sample-quality requirements for reliable AI-based analysis

FTIR requirements

Input Requirements for Reliable FTIR Analysis

To obtain reliable results, upload FTIR spectra compatible with the current model scope and measurement conditions. On sude.be, use the consolidated .xlsx template with a Spectra sheet: Sample_Name, Include = x for rows to process (up to 600), and numeric wavenumber columns. The recommended spectral range is 5000–500 cm⁻¹, matching the range used during model development.

Recommended FTIR Measurement Conditions

  • Measurement mode: ATR-FTIR
  • Recommended spectral range: 5000–500 cm⁻¹
  • Recommended number of scans: 16–32 scans
  • Background correction before sample measurement
  • Clean ATR crystal before measurement
  • Good contact between the plastic particle and ATR crystal; avoid saturated, noisy, incomplete, or strongly distorted spectra

The plastic-classification model supports the following WEEE and ELV-relevant plastic types: PP, PE, ABS, HIPS, PC/ABS, PA, and PVC. Samples outside these classes may still yield a prediction, but the result may have lower confidence and should be interpreted with caution.

The filler-estimation model is intended for polypropylene-rich samples and estimates talc, calcium carbonate, and total filler content. It is not intended as a general filler-analysis tool for all plastic types, additives, pigments, glass fibres, flame retardants, or complex unknown filler systems.

Avoid uploading spectra affected by poor ATR contact, severe baseline distortion, high noise, saturated peaks, or strongly degraded materials. For critical industrial, commercial, or regulatory decisions, predictions should be confirmed using complementary analytical methods such as expert FTIR review, ash content measurement, XRF, DSC, TGA, or additional laboratory analyses.

Optional XRF Input Requirements

XRF files are not used as input to the AI models; they are merged after FTIR analysis to add Br, Sb, and Cl to the output report. On sude.be you can include an XRF sheet inside the FTIR workbook (embedded), or upload a separate ZIP of per-measurement XRF files (or a combined multi-row .xlsx).

For successful merging, XRF sample or file names should correspond to FTIR Sample_Name values (for example FTIR_1 with XRF_1, or FTIR_LHA_W1.2_6217). If no matching XRF record is found, the Br, Sb, and Cl columns remain empty.

For questions about the FTIR Plastic and Filler Analysis Tool, contact ftir@sude.be.