Effect of pulse repetition rate and number of pulses in the analysis of polypropylene and high density polyethylene by nanosecond infrared laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

► LIBS is an important tool for the direct determination of elements in solid materials. ► The analytical performance depends on laser pulse characteristics. ► SEM and perfilometry were useful to evaluate features of laser craters in PP and HDPE. ► Pulse repetition rate affects crater geometry which depends on polymer properties.