Surface analysis infrared bands

Finally, it should be kept in mind that quantification is often problematic in surface analysis and characterization. Firstly because some techniques are not really suited for quantification, but also in cases such as infrared spectroscopy where one does not really know precisely how deep into the material one is probing. Although, there are many good examples of semi-quantitative applications that involve measuring relative band intensities that relate to changes in a surface property. However, for problem solving revealing qualitative differences is often sufficient information to be able to identify cause and move on to look for a potential solution. 

Deep Surface Regions (< 2 /Am). Internal reflection (IRS) infrared measurements of several selected films in diffusion stacks were performed to monitor the concentration of the carboxylate group. Interesting results were obtained from analysis of bands at 1590-1630 and 1710-1720 cm-1. The approximate penetration depth can be calculated (9) from the equation... 

In a study conducted by the Armour Research Foundation (Ref 41) a-Pb azide crystals wrapped in a thin A1 foil were subjected to fast and thermal neutrons in the heavy water pile at Argonne National Laboratory. With a thermal flux rate of about 10l4n/cm2/sec the crystals were irradiated for 8, 17 and 170 hours. The crystals decompd to a brown powder which was identified as Pb carbonate by X-ray techniques and infrared absorption spectra. From a mass spectrographic analysis of the isotopes of carbon and oxygen in the decompn products, it was determined that the mechanism of carbonate formation is a reaction with the atmosphere by broken surface bands produced by the neutrons. Subsequently, Raney (Ref 60) reported... 

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