Homogeneity analysis of polymer composites by ART FT-IR microspectroscopy

For polymer composites, the homogeneity mixing of filler or reinforcement within the polymer matrix can substantially improve mechanical properties of the composites. The determination of polymers and polymer composites were investigated by ATR FT-IR microspectroscopy. Diamond and Ge slide-on were used as IREs. The experiment was divided into two parts: the surface maping, and depth profiling analysis. The 2D (contour map) or 3D profile (surface map) of the ATR FT-IR absorption was constructed and employed for the investigation of homogeneity. Since the position of an infrared absorption band is unique to the chemical constituent while the absorption intensity is directly related to its concentration, the unique absorption frequency of a component are directly associated with its composition. The same chemical information and the same absorption of spectra indicate that the polymer composite is a homogeneous polymer. ART FT-IR microspectroscopy requires minimal sample preparation and does not destructive.