The destruction-free analysis of polymers by fourier transform infrared photoacoustic and fourier transform Raman spectroscopy: A comparison

With the introduction of rapid–scanning Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and recently Raman (FT–Raman) spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy has been launched into a new era of applications in polymer chemistry and physics. Thus, the increase in sensitivity provided by multiple scanning has led to the breakthrough of new, destruction–free sampling techniques, such as photoacoustic and Raman spectroscopy. This paper provides a comparison between data produced by FTIR photoacoustic and FT–Raman analysis of a range of polymers, and structural information available from both techniques is discussed.     

Biological applications of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: a study of phase transitions in biomembranes

The thermal response of aqueous lipid membranes has been investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Changes in infrared spectral parameters are applied to the analysis of the strutural changes which occur within the lipid bilayer as the temperature is varied. Such studies provide the basis for the interpretation of phase transitions in complex biomembranes.     

A fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study of the molecular interaction in synthetic bilayer membrane

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to study the molecular interaction between gramicidin D and bilayer membranes, dioctadecadimethylammonium bromide (2C₁₈N⁺2C₁Br⁻), and 1,2-di-palmytoyl- -α-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Frequencies and bandwidths of the symmetric CH₂ stretching band measured as a function of temperature are used to study variation of packing of alkyl chains. The bilayer membrane prepared from 2C₁₈N⁺2C₁Br⁻ is found to have a gel to liquid crystal phase transition at 42°C. The presence of gramicidin in the membrane causes an increase in the mobility of the alkyl chain and also a decrease in the abruptness of the transition.The frequencies of amide I and II bands of gramicidin reflecting secondary structures of polypeptides are used to identify its conformation in membranes and to study the interaction between gramicidin and the matrices. Gramicidin is found to have hydrophobic interaction with 2C₁₈N⁺2C₁Br⁻, whereas it has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with DPPC.     

Diffuse reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study of the thermal degradation of barley protein

Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy was used to study isothermal degradation of crude barley protein, that was obtained as a side product of alcohol production. The isothermal temperatures used were in the range 50–150° C. Before analysis the protein fraction was dried either by lyophilization or spray drying. The drying method did not have a major effect on the subsequent isothermal degradation of the material. The main reactions observed in the spectra were oxidation indicated by the appearance of a broad composite carbonyl band and degradation of both proteins and starch. The reactions were visible already in the spectra taken at 70° C and there rates gradually increased as the temperature was raised to 150° C.     

Mechanism of heterogeneous oxidation of carbonyl sulfide on Al2O3: an in situ diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy investigation

Heterogeneous reaction of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) on the surface of different types of alumina (Al(2)O(3)) at 298 K was investigated in a closed system and a flowed system using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The effects of calcination temperature of the Al(2)O(3) on its catalyzed reactivity were studied. The crystal structure and surface area of the Al(2)O(3) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. This paper revealed that adsorbed OCS could be catalytically oxidized on the surface of Al(2)O(3) to form gas-phase CO(2) and surface hydrogen carbonate (HCO(3)(-)) and sulfate (SO(4)(2-)) species at 298 K. The surface hydroxyl (OH) species on the Al(2)O(3) had been found to be the key reactant for the heterogeneous oxidation of OCS. Furthermore, the surface hydrogen thiocarbonate (HSCO(2)(-)) species, an intermediate formed in the reaction of OCS with OH, can be observed on the thermal-treated Al(2)O(3). On the basis of these results, the reaction mechanism of heterogeneous oxidation of OCS on Al(2)O(3) is discussed.     

板蓝根颗粒中蔗糖含量的红外光谱法测定

A method for rapid quantitative determination of sucrose in isatis-root granules by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry(FTIR) was developed. Potassium ferricyanide was chosen as an inside mark material because it has only one strong absorption peak at 2117cm-1 and the peak was chosen as its quantitative peak. The peak at 1283cm-1 is the characteristic absorption of sucrose and was chosen as the quantitative peak of sucrose. The ratio of the two absorbances is I=Ai/As.K3[Fe(CN)6] and sucrose were mixed according to a certain mass ratio m=mi/ms to prepare standard samples. The curve of m versus I is the quantitative working curve. The linear range for sucrose is 5.0～23.0mg/g,the recovery is in the range of 91%～103%,the relative standard deviation is less than 5%.     

High-temperature fourier transform infrared study of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blends

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of polystyrene (PS)/poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) miscible blends as a function of temperature are presented. Below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) little change is observed in the interaction spectrum obtained via digital subtraction techniques. Once above the LCST, the magnitude of the interaction spectrum decreases as a result of the phase separation process. Comparison of the behavior of the ether C? O stretching band in the reference PVME and in the blends has yielded a lower limit estimate for the interaction energy of about 0.15 kcal/mol.     

Application of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to the study of semicrystalline polymers: Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

An infrared absorbance subtraction technique has been used to “isolate” bands in the composite spectrum of semicrystalline polymers according to their crystalline or amorphous character. Amorphous and crystalline spectra for annealed, melt-quenched, and solution-cast poly(ethylene terephthalate) have been separated. The spectra of the amorphous component show an increased intensity of bands associated with the trans configuration of oxygen about the C? C bond when the polymer is annealed. This increased “trans” band intensity reflects the increased proportion of trans structures as a result of annealing. The amorphous trans bands are shifted approximately 1–3 cm^?1 from their positions in the crystalline “trans” spectrum. The frequency shift of these bands can be attributed to the differences in chain interactions that exist in the amorphous phase and the crystalline lattice. We have also found that under identical anealing conditions the amorphous phase of the melt-quenched polymer contains an increased intensity of conformational trans bands compared to the sample cast from solution.     

TGA/FT-IR: Thermogravimetric analysis with fourier transform infrared detection of evolved gases

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a widely employed technique for measuring the change in weight of a sample as a function of temperature or time in a controlled atmosphere. FT-IR has been utilized with success in the identification of gases [1]. The combination of these two techniques permits a complete characterization of materials in terms of thermal stability and decomposition mechanisms [2]. A complete integrated system for TGA/FT-IR analysis is described.     

Depth-profiling of polymer laminates using fourier transform infrared (ATR) spectroscopy: The barrier film technique

We report FTIR-ATR spectra of a polymer laminate (PMMA/PVOH) at different base layer thicknesses and different angles of incidence on a ZnSe substrate. By varying this ‘barrier’ layer (of PMMA) we have demonstrated that different effective penetration depths into the PVOH are achieved, in very good agreement with the calculated electric fields as a function of distance away from the substrate surface. Such work forms the basis for depth profiling measurements in order to detect interfacial interactions between the polymer molecules. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Experimental optimization of p-polarized MAIR spectrometry performed on a fourier transform infrared spectrometer.

Optimized experimental conditions of infrared p-polarized multiple-angle incidence resolution spectrometry (p-MAIRS) for the analysis of ultrathin films on glass have been explored. When the original MAIRS technique is employed for thin-film analysis on a substrate of germanium or silicon, which exhibits a high refractive index, an established experimental condition without optimization can be adapted for the measurements. On the other hand, the p-MAIRS technique that has been developed for analysis on a low-refractive-index material requires, however, optimization of the experimental parameters for a 'quantitative' molecular orientation analysis. The optimization cannot be performed by considering only for optics in the spectrometer, but for optics concerning the substrate should also be considered. In the present study, an optimized condition for infrared p-MAIRS analysis on glass has been revealed, which can be used for quantitative molecular orientation analysis in ultrathin films on glass.     

Phosphorus-containing podands. 8. A study of metal-ligand interaction by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in anhydrous acetonitrile

The interaction of phosphorus-containing monopodands with Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ cations in anhydrous CH₃CN has been studied by FTIR spectroscopy. It has been shown that phosphoryl groups of the ligands take part in the formation of complexes with the alkali metal cation. The IR results obtained do not permit a clear conclusion as to whether or not the ether oxygen atoms of the ligand polyether chain participate in the complexation. It is suggested that in CH ₃ CN the formation of 1:1 complexes is not accompanied by conformational reorganization of the monopodand.Institute of Physiologically Active Substances, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka 142432. Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 884–889, April, 1992.     

Pulse radiolysis and fourier transform infrared study of neopentyl peroxy radicals in the gas phase at 297 K

The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of the neopentyl peroxy radical (CH₃)₃CCH₂O₂, and the kinetics and products of its self reaction have been studied in the gas phase at 298 K. Absorption cross sections were quantified over the wavelength range 230–290 nm. The measured cross section at 250 nm was; Errors represent statistical (2σ) together with our estimate of potential systematic errors(15%). The kinetics of the decay of the UV absorption following the generation of the neopentyl peroxy radicals was complicated by the rapid decomposition of the (CH₃)₃CCH₂O radicals formed in channel (4a). By measuring the yield of t-butyl peroxy radicals, the branching ratio k_4a/(k_4a + k_4b) was determined to be 0.39 ± 0.03. The rate constant for the self reaction of neopentyl peroxy radicals was k₄ = (1.07 ± 0.22) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. Quoted errors represent 2σ. These results are discussed with respect to the available literature data. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Polymerization kinetics of rac‐lactide initiated with alcohol/stannous octoate using in situ attenuated total reflectance‐fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: An initiator study

rac‐Lactide polymerization kinetics in THF at 72 °C were monitored in real‐time using mid‐infrared ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, with diamond composite insertion probe and light conduit technology. Monomer concentration as a function of time was acquired using the 1240 cm^?1 resonance associated with the ? CO? O? C? stretch. Polymerizations were initiated with either n‐propanol (PrOH), ethylene glycol (EG), trimethylol propane (TMP), or pentaerythritol (PENTA) with the coinitiator stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)₂). Polymerizations were found to be reversible at high monomer conversions, with a residual monomer concentration at 72 °C (345 K) of 0.081 M. The polymerizations were internally first‐order with respect to monomer, indicating a constant concentration of propagating centers. For a typical reaction with [rac‐LA]₀ = 1.0 M, [PENTA]₀ = 1.3 × 10^?2 M, and [Sn(Oct)₂] = 2.5 × 10^?2 M, the first‐order rate constant, k_app was measured as 1.8 × 10^?4 s^?1. First‐order rate constants were determined to be independent of polymer architecture (i.e., initiator functionality) and proportional to [Sn(Oct)₂] for [Sn(Oct)₂]₀/[ROH]₀ ? 1, where [ROH]₀ represents the initial concentration of initiating hydroxyl groups. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 797–803, 2009     

The Creutz-Taube complex revisited: DFT study of the infrared frequencies

The structural parameters, electronic properties, and infrared frequencies of three binuclear ruthenium complexes, [(NH(3))(5)Ru(pyrazine)Ru(NH(3))(5)](n+), n = 4-6, have been investigated with density functional theory. Structural analysis demonstrates that the structure of the mixed-valence 5+, or [II,III], is not an intermediate of the reduced 4+, or [II,II], and the oxidized 6+, or [III,III], compounds. Electronic structure comparison shows that the Ru d(yz) antibonding orbital is empty when n = 5 and 6 and occupied, when n = 4. The infrared frequencies have been calculated for a sequence of models with increasingly detailed accounts of counterions, ranging from the free Creutz-Taube 5+ ion, over jellium embedded, COnductor-like Screening MOdel (COSMO), to the experimental structure of the triclinic [II,III](tos)(5).4H(2)O (tos = p-toluenesulfonate) crystal. Analysis of the Ru vibrations shows that the spectra for the two symmetry-inequivalent Ru atoms are essentially the same. We find that Ru-Ru modes exist near three well-defined frequencies in the solid: at 145, 285, and 345 cm(-1). Similar results are also obtained for the simplified jellium and COSMO models. The spectral properties of these vibrational correlations testify to the existence of two coupled Ru atoms in the same charge state.     

Diffusion measurements with fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy: Water diffusion in polypropylene*

The diffusion of pure liquid water into a commercial polypropylene (PP) film at 278–348 K was studied with Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. Abnormal diffusion behavior was indicated by a significant deviation between the experimental data and a Fickian diffusion model with the conventional saturated boundary condition applied at the water/PP interface. This deviation was observed at all the temperatures studied. With a modified boundary condition that took into account a mass‐transfer resistance at the water/PP interface, the Fickian model was able to represent the experimental data satisfactorily. The average water diffusion coefficient varied between 1.41 and 7.64 × 10^?9 cm²/s, with an activation energy of diffusion of about 19.3 kJ/mol. The interfacial mass‐transfer resistance was represented by an exponential model with an empirical relaxation parameter. The relaxation parameter β increased as the temperature increased and reached an apparent plateau. The infrared spectrum indicated a positive chemical shift of 18 cm^?1 for the less strongly hydrogen‐bonded component of the broad hydroxyl stretching band with respect to pure liquid water, indicating that hydrogen‐bonding interactions were weakened or broken when water molecules diffused into the PP matrix. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 980–991, 2002     

Multiple transmission-reflection infrared spectroscopy for high-sensitivity measurement of molecular monolayers on silicon surfaces

A new infrared spectroscopic measurement involving multiple transmissions and reflections for molecular monolayers adsorbed on silicon surfaces has been established. Compared to the well-known multiple internal reflection (MIR) method, the distinctive advantage of multiple transmission-reflection infrared spectroscopy (MTR-IR) is the convenient measurement using standard silicon wafers as samples, while in the MIR setup special fabrication of geometric shapes such as 45 degrees bevel cuts on an attenuated total reflection silicon crystal is needed. Both p- and s-polarized spectra can be obtained reproducibly with the same order of sensitivity as by the MIR spectroscopy. Optimal conditions for spectral acquisition have been obtained from theoretical calculations. The ability of this methodology to gather high quality infrared spectra of adsorbed monolayers is demonstrated and the analysis of the surface packing and molecular orientation is discussed.     

Structure and reactivity of mixed omega-carboxyalkyl/alkyl monolayers on silicon: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and contact angle titration

The structure, reactivity, and acid-base properties of mixed monolayers prepared by photochemical reaction of hydrogen-terminated silicon with mixtures of ethyl undecylenate and n-alkenes were studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and contact-angle measurements. The surface composition of the mixed monolayers and its correlation with the hydrolysis reactivity of terminal ethoxycarbonyl (ester) groups were investigated by systematically varying the mole fraction of ethyl undecylenate and the chain length of the unsubstituted alkenes in the binary deposition solution. It has been shown that the mole fraction of ester groups on the surface deviates only slightly from the mole fraction of ethyl undecylenate in the solution. The efficiency of ester hydrolysis under acidic conditions is significantly influenced by the monolayer structure, i.e., the surface density of ester groups and length of the unsubstituted alkyl chains. In addition, we find that mixed omega-alkanoic acid/alkyl monolayers on silicon (prepared via hydrolysis) exhibit well-defined contact angle titration curves from which the surface acid dissociation constants were determined. The results were compared with the acid-base properties reported in the literature for carboxylic acid-terminated alkylsiloxane monolayers on hydroxylated silicon and for omega-mercaptoalkanoic acid/alkanethiolate monolayers on gold. The weak pKa dependence (deltapKa approximately 1) on the surface density of carboxylic acid groups and on the length of unsubstituted alkyl chains is attributed to variations of the microenvironment of the acid moieties. These experimental findings provide fundamental knowledge at the molecular level for the preparation of bioreactive surfaces of controlled reactivity on crystalline semiconductor substrates.     

Grazing angle mirror-backed reflection (GMBR) for infrared analysis of monolayers on silicon

An easy handling infrared measurement, grazing angle mirror-backed reflection (GMBR), has been established to analyze the silicon-based organic monolayer. Theoretical prediction gave the optimal configuration with p-polarized irradiation near a grazing angle 78.1 degrees of incidence. Experimental measurement of hydrogen-terminated, undecylenic acid (UA) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) functionalized silicon (111) surfaces showed good signal peaks and reproducibility.     

Synchrotron fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy: A new tool to monitor the fate of organic contaminants in plants

FTIR microspectroscopy, with synchrotron radiation as a source, was used for the first time to study changes in plant structure induced by organic contaminants. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants were grown hydroponically in the presence of benzotriazole. Changes in the plant structure due to uptake, incorporation, and/or transformation of benzotriazole were observed. False color intensity maps of benzotriazole treated secondary root sections showed changes in plant structure, as well as the presence of aromatic CH peaks due to incorporation of benzotriazole within the plant. The presence of the characteristic benzotriazole CH out-of-plane bending mode suggests that the contaminant aromatic ring remains intact upon the uptake by the plant. Simultaneously, the changes in the lignin structure suggest that the plant suffered damage by the uptake of the benzotriazole. Spectral variations between the untreated and benzotriazole treated sunflowers were uncovered using principal components analysis (PCA). PCA also revealed clustering according to the different benzotriazole treatments.