Polymer identification by infrared spectroscopy

Infrared spectra of thin films of polymer in the region up to 4000 cm are characteristic of Ae polymer. The spectra can be run either as potassium bromide discs (1.5-2 ug polymer per 400 mg potassium bromide) or as polymer film of varying thickness up to 12 micron using a sodium chloride prism under the following conditions  

Time constant of the amplifier 2 Speed of the optical attenuator 1100 Resolution (split programme) 927 

Scanning speed 1x10 + scan program (about 11 min fi om 1.25 to 15.25 u) 

Denchant has discussed in detail the infrared spectra of 35 polymers and Hippe and Kerste developed an algorithm for the infrared identification of vinyl polymers. Pyrolysis followed by infrared spectroscopy is a particularly useful technique for application to polymers which are rendered opaque or completely non-transparent by the presence of pigments or fillers. 

Leukoth used this technique to determine the chemical composition of polymers and rubbers containing high proportions of pigments or fillers. 

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