Vibrational spectroscopy is advantageous as an analytical tool for polymers and comprises two complementary techniques: infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. This report presents an overview of how these methods can be employed to provide information about complex polymeric macromolecules with respect to composition, structure, conformation, and intermolecular interactions.

Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy of Polymers describes the elementary theory of vibrational spectroscopy and its use as a structural tool; presents an overview of sampling techniques; and discusses the application of IR and Raman spectroscopy to polymer characterization, including crystallinity, conformation, and orientation.

Rapra Review Reports contain a brief overview of the topic, followed by extensive references, with abstracts, from the Rapra database. They serve as condensed, valuable research tools for scientists, technologists, and other researchers working with rubber or plastics materials.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Elementary Theory of Vibrational Spectroscopy

Basis of Vibrational Spectroscopy as a Structural Tool

Vibrational Spectroscopic Instrumentation

Sampling for Vibrational Spectroscopy

Measuring Polymer Orientation with IR and Raman Spectroscopy

IR and Raman Applications to Polymer Characterisation

Additional References

Abbreviations

References from the Rapra Abstracts Database

Index