Polymer Characterization by Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

Although the Raman spectrum of polystyrene was measured as long ago as 1932 [1]. and the value of vibrational spectroscopy for the characterization of polymer structures became evident a few years later. Raman spectroscopy failed to make a significant impact in the field for many years. Indeed. in 1964 [2]. Nielsen commented that while infrared spectroscopy had yielded a great deal of information about the molecular and crystalline structure of high polymers. Raman spectroscopy had not been widely used or been very helpful in the investigation of polymers. He went on to note that the main reason for this state of affairs was that it had generally been quite difficult to obtain their Raman spectra but. nevertheless. efforts to overcome the difficulties facing the Raman spectroscopy of polymers would be very worthwhile.