Polymer spectroscopic techniques

There are two major aspects to this discussion of orientation in polymers. First, there is the question of defining orientation, and the information which can be obtained in principle by any given spectroscopic technique regarding orientation in a polymer. This leads directly to the problem of relating orientation to deformation mechanisms, because this may permit comparatively limited information to be put to optimum use. Secondly, there is the relationship between orientation and physical properties, especially mechanical properties, where such information has been valuable in stimulating and assessing practical developments such as high modulus polymers. 

The microheterogeneity coefficient was introduced only for the description of the microstructure of binary copolymers with symmetric units. At increased number of unit types and/or when account is taken of structural isomerism, the role of Km will be performed by other parameters analogous to it. A general strategy for the choice of these latter has been elaborated in detail [12], while their values have been measured via NMR spectroscopic techniques for a variety of polycondensation polymers [13]. 

Kazarian et al. [281-283] have used various spectroscopic techniques (including FUR, time-resolved ATR-FHR, Raman, UV/VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy) to characterise polymers processed with scC02. FTIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy have played an important role in developing the understanding and in situ monitoring of many SCF processes, such as drying, extraction and impregnation of polymeric materials. 

HPLC methods of determining the amounts of different additives in polymeric materials are preceded by an extraction process or dissolution of the polymer matrix. Although extraction-HPLC is often observed to be superior to the traditional spectroscopic techniques (UV and IR) in analysing additives, it is frequently difficult to obtain reproducible results in view of the variability of the extraction yield. On the other hand, it is equally difficult to obtain quantitative data in the dissolution/reprecipitation-HPLC method because of entrapment of analytes in the polymer precipitate and the potential for high absorption of the additives on the polymer surface. 

Each spectroscopic technique (electronic, vibra-tional/rotational, resonance, etc.) has strengths and weaknesses, which determine its utility for studying polymer additives, either as pure materials or in polymers. The applicability depends on a variety of factors the identity of the particular additive(s) (known/unknown) the amount of sample available the analysis time desired the identity of the polymer matrix and the need for quantitation. The most relevant spectroscopic methods commonly used for studying polymers (excluding surfaces) are IR, Raman (vibrational), NMR, ESR (spin resonance), UV/VIS, fluorescence (electronic) and x-ray or electron scattering. 

Principles and Characteristics Vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as IR and Raman are exquisitely sensitive to molecular structure. These techniques yield incisive results in studies of pure compounds or for rather simple mixtures but are less powerful in the analysis of complex systems. The IR spectrum of a material can be different depending on the state of the molecule (i.e. solid, liquid or gas). In relation to polymer/additive analysis it is convenient to separate discussions on the utility of FUR for indirect analysis of extracts from direct in situ analysis. 

Combined chromatographic-spectroscopic techniques allow complex multicomponent data to be obtained in a single experiment. Essentially, the analysis of monomers, additives, oligomers and polymer can be performed in one step on-line. Postcolumn hyphenation, which comprises spectroscopic detectors, sniffing, fraction collection or heartcutting, is well... 

In polymer/additive analysis, spectroscopic methods are used for studying both molecular and atomic composition, usually as a detector for chromatographic techniques. Application of spectroscopic techniques to molecular additive analysis depends on the nature of the sample and its complexity (Table 10.26). Application of the intrinsically simple monocomponent analyses by means of UV/VIS and FUR is rather exceptional for real-life samples. Most industrial samples are complex. It is in the area of multicomponent analysis that most... 

In polymer/additive deformulation (of extracts, solutions and in-polymer), spectroscopic methods (nowadays mainly UV, IR and to a lesser extent NMR followed at a large distance by Raman) play an important role, and even more so in process analysis, where the time-consuming chromatographic techniques are less favoured. Some methods, as NMR and Raman spectrometry, were once relatively insensitive, but seem poised to become better performing. Quantitative polymer/additive analysis may benefit from more extensive use of 600-800 MHz 1-NMR equipped with a high-temperature accessory (soluble additives only). 

Several modem analytical instruments are powerful tools for the characterisation of end groups. Molecular spectroscopic techniques are commonly employed for this purpose. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS), often in combination, can be used to elucidate the end group structures for many polymer systems more traditional chemical methods, such as titration, are still in wide use, but employed more for specific applications, for example, determining acid end group levels. Nowadays, NMR spectroscopy is usually the first technique employed, providing the polymer system is soluble in organic solvents, as quantification of the levels of... 

NMR and IR are powerful spectroscopic techniques, which provide additional information about the compositional details of a sample. However, they are often unable to differentiate between a polymer blend A + B and a copolymer consisting of A and B. For such complex polymer compositions a combination of liquid chromatography and spectroscopic methods is helpful. In his recent review Pasch [57] discusses a couple of examples. 

There are two major experimental techniques that can be used to analyze hydrogen bonding in noncrystalline polymer systems. The first is based on thermodynamic measurements which can be related to molecular properties by using statistical mechanics. The second, and much more powerful, way to elucidate the presence and nature of hydrogen bonds in amorphous polymers is by using spectroscopy (Coleman et al., 1991). From the present repertoire of spectroscopic techniques which includes IR, Raman, electronic absorption, fluorescence, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the IR is by far the most sensitive to the presence of hydrogen bonds (Coleman et al., 1991). 

IM Ward, The measurement of molecular orientation in polymers by spectroscopic techniques, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Symp., 58 1-21, 1977. 

However, before proceeding to the determination of Molecular weights of polymers we will take up an elementary discussion of the use of x-ray diffraction, spectroscopic techniques and electromicroscopic techniques, etc. in determining the structure of polymers. 

The physico-chemical changes induced in polymers following exposure to radiation can be studied by a range of spectroscopic techniques. Recent developments in instrumentation and data analysis procedures in electronic, vibrational and magnetic resonance spectroscopies have provided considerable new insights into polymer structure and behaviour. The application of these spectroscopic methods in polymer studies are reviewed with emphasis on their utility in investigations of radiation effects on macromolecules. 

The variety of spectroscopic methods now available can be used to provide considerable information on radiation effects on polymeric materials. These applications are summarized in Table I. Improvements in instrumentation and data analysis procedures are continuing and the development of new spectroscopic techniques promise new insights into polymer structure and behaviour. 

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