MFTIR spectra of polyethylene synthesized on germanium surfaces

MFTIR spectra of thin layers of polyethylene synthesized on the surfaces of germanium monocrystals in the 700–3000 cm^–1 range have been investigated. The optical constants of the polymer n() and () have been calculated in the range of natural absorption corresponding to the C-H valence vibration bands. Dichroism of the 2848 and 2912 cm^–1 bands disclosed is caused by the orienting influence of the monocrystal surface and in value is comparable with values obtained for monoaxially oriented massive specimens of polyethylene having a high degree of crystallinity. There have been established reversible changes of the relative orientation function of the macromolecule surface layer during heating and cooling of the specimens in the temperature range 293–355 K. This is explained by the nematic state of the polymer in the thin layer, the macromolecules of which are chemically bonded to the surface of the germanium monocrystal.Deceased.Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Éksperimental'naya Khimiya, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 380–383, May–June, 1988.The authors express their gratitude to K. K. Kalnin'sh for valuable discussion of material in the article and to M. E. Yudovich for his assistance in the calculations.