Vibrational Spectroscopy of Polymers: Principles and Practice

In this book, measurements using vibrational spectroscopy techniques for both the chemical and physical characteristics of polymers are described, alongside chapters covering spectra-structure correlations and spectra calculation. Special chapters deal with composites and conducting polymers, while others discuss the role of vibrational spectroscopy in understanding polymer weathering and degradation, and determining the optical, dielectric and solar and thermal properties of polymers. Dichroism measurement methods, important in understanding product performance, are covered, as well as practical methods for determining molecular orientation; linear, biaxial and trichroic determinations for polymers, as are dynamic measurement systems.

For many decades vibrational spectroscopy has occupied a prominent position at the heartland of applied and fundamental polymer research. Vibrational spectroscopy has had, and continues to have, a vital impact in areas ranging from fundamental studies of polymer structure through to the control of manufacturing processes. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy can be applied to almost any sample form, can be interfaced to almost any desired apparatus or process, and can be configured with high lateral and depth resolution, allowing property and compositional gradients to be probed or imaged in heterogeneous systems. All this can be done using equipment that is a fraction of the cost of the alternatives. Thus, vibrational spectroscopy has much to offer applied and fundamental polymer scientists and analysts in industry and academia, and new and exciting applications of vibrational spectroscopy continue to evolve.

This book draws together contributions from leading researchers and practitioners to provide an up-to-date coverage of the wide-ranging applications of IR and Raman spectroscopy in polymer science. A balanced between discussions of spectroscopic theory, instrumentation, polymer science ad application is presented. For example, the beginner will find both an introduction to basic interpretational skills as well as a detailed discussion of sampling techniques. Similarly, the reader will find a rigorous treatment of the calculation of polymer spectra and the theory underlying the measurement of polymer orientation, while other chapters concentrate mainly on the application of these measurements so as to obtain a better understanding of polymer deformation mechanisms, network structure, product properties, and process measurement.

In summary, this book will provide a high-resolution snapshot of the state of the art of polymer research and measurement using vibrational spectroscopy that will prove useful to both new and established practitioners in the field.