Ultraviolet and visible light spectroscopy of polymers

The absorption of ultraviolet and/or visible radiation by polymers leads to transition among the electronic energy levels of the macromolecules, and as a result of this a typical electronic absorption spectrum is obtained (Fig. 10.53). 

Chromophores are any parts of molecules which contain 7t-electrons (Table 10.8) and absorb ultraviolet and/or visible radiation. Applications of UV/VIS 

Experimental methods in polymer degradation Table 10.8 Typical chromophores and their characteristics  

Many factors influence the relative energies of molecular orbitals in polymers and a knowledge of these is necessary for an understanding of the electronic spectroscopy of macromolecules. 

The nature and position of some substituents (auxochromes), i.e. —OH, —OR,—NHj, etc. groups) which extend the conjugation of a chromophore by sharing of the nonbonding electrons and thus become a new extended chromophore (chromogene). 

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