Chapter 5 - Raman spectroscopy of polymers

Abstract

This chapter discusses Raman spectroscopy of polymers that also measures the vibrational energy levels. Raman spectroscopy has become the most important tool for the characterization of polymers. With the development of improved near-IR lasers, the fluorescence problem is diminishing. With the development of multichannel detectors, the sensitivity of the Raman measurement is improving. With the development of notch filters, the need for multimonochromators is decreasing. With the development of tunable filters such as the AOEE, the portability of the Raman equipment itself is increasing. With the development of improved fiber optical materials, the capability of doing remote Raman spectroscopy is improving. The utility and applications of Raman spectroscopy to structure problems in polymers is growing at an astronomical rate. Advances in Raman instrumentation have been dramatic and the polymer spectroscopists must now seriously consider the use of Raman as complementary to infrared. It will never replace infrared; however, it is taking its place as an equal partner in vibrational spectroscopy.