FTIR and Polymer Analysis: Analyzing Polymer Properties and Structure

This report focuses on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and its application in polymer analysis. It explains the working principle of FTIR, which involves analyzing the absorption of infrared light by a sample to determine its molecular structure. The report discusses how FTIR is used to analyze polymers, including sample preparation methods like using thin films, fine powders, or solutions. It highlights the importance of identifying functional groups through the analysis of spectral peaks. The report also mentions the use of FTIR in identifying polymer impurities and analyzing polymer blends, with references to relevant scientific literature. The report showcases the importance of FTIR in material science for polymer characterization.

Running head: FTIR AND PLOYMER ANALYSIS
FTIR and ploymer analysis
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Author Note

1FTIR AND PLOYMER ANALYSIS
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a sophisticated analytical
equipment which involved to deal with an infrared spectrum of emission or absorption of a
molecule which is in solid or liquid or gaseous form. The working principle of this equipment
is based on the absorption of light with a specific wavelength. In this case, a light from the
infrared spectrum goes through a test sample which leads to absorption of radiation in the
sample and transmission of the light (Sigma-Aldrich 2019). The spectrum of absorbed light
indicates the molecular structure of the test sample. In case of unknown molecules, the
spectrum is compared with the database of reference. In case of polymer analysis, the test
samples are mostly provided as thin films, fine powders, polymer dissolved in solvents etc.
The sampling process is selected as per the sample and sophistication of the instrument
(Shim, Hong and Eo 2017). At the end of the process picks are formed on the basis of the
absorption and the position of those picks provides information about presence or absence of
functional group of the sample. The IR spectra of different polymers will be completely
different due to the presence of functional groups. Different peaks in different wavelengths
stands for a particular functional group (Shim, Hong and Eo 2017). It is a useful tool to
identify polymers and find out the modifications of the polymers on the basis of the change in
functional groups (Shim, Hong and Eo 2017). Polymers sometimes contains several
impurities which can be found in the IR spectra as weak peaks. Moreover, it is also used to
interpret different polymer blends.

2FTIR AND PLOYMER ANALYSIS
Reference
Shim, W.J., Hong, S.H. and Eo, S.E., 2017. Identification methods in microplastic analysis: a
review. Analytical methods, 9(9), pp.1384-1391.
Sigma-Aldrich. (2019). Available at:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/technical-documents/articles/biology/ftir-spectroscopy.html
Accessed on: August 11 2019.