Application of vibrational spectroscopy for the analysis of polymer composites

Various examples of filled elastomeric networks will illustrate the potential of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for a better understanding of the properties of elastomeric composite materials which are two-phase materials. The addition of an inorganic component to polymers leads to improvements in various physical and mechanical properties. These improvements are the result of a complex interplay between the properties of the individual constituent phases : the polymer, the filler and the interfacial region. Infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterize the interface in the isotropic state and also under uniaxial extension.