| Abstract: | A series of polypropylene-copolymer laminates produced by biaxial orientation in the 120–155°C range has been characterized by refractometry and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The copolymer was a random ethylene-propylene resin and the IR techniques included tilted-film transmission as well as internal reflection, both using polarized radiation. The IR techniques yielded spectra corresponding to the machine, transverse, and through directions. Similarly, the refractometry gave refractive indices of both components of each laminate along all three axes. Results from the three techniques were compared and contrasted and the validity of the calculated internal reflectance spectra discussed. Practical methods to estimate the source and extent of errors in the latter technique from false radiation and contact problems were explored. |
