Development/Applications of FT-IR ATR (Fourier Transform IR Attenuated Total Internal Reflection) and Photoacoustic Dichroism Techniques for Structural Characterization of Polymer Surfaces.
Abstract
The main objective of this project was to develop new techniques for the characterization of polymer surfaces and interfaces, based on Fourier Transform IR attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) and photoacoustic dichroism (PAS) methods. The project involved both development of FT-IR PAS and ATR dichroism techniques using a specially designed crystal and attachment, and the demonstration of these techniques for the molecular characterization of selected polymer surfaces. Measurement of bulk molecular orientation and degree of crystallinity by transmission IR dichroism is only applicable to very thin polymer films. For thick samples, ATR dichroism was potentially useful, but suffered from severe experimental difficulties to develop ATR dichroism for the use of the broad polymer community. The major effort during the initial period of the project was devoted toward developing a modified ATR attachment, using a symmetrical, double-edged internal reflection crystal. This modified attachment allows the sample to be rotated without disassembling and reassembling operations which change the contact area between the polymer sample and the ATR crystal. This eliminated the need for the correction of the reflectivities to an internal standard band. The usefulness of this attachment which provides information on two-dimensional orientation has been demonstrated on two types of polypropylene, uniaxially drawn and injection molded.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 28, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168519
Entities
People
- C. S. Sung
Organizations
- University of Connecticut