APPLICATIONS OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC MAPPING FOR THE CHARACTERISATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYMERS

Abstract: The importance of Raman spectroscopic mapping as tool for the characterisation of materials is illustrated by the following three examples: the determination of domain size in polymer blends; the component distribution in a wood polymer composite; and the penetration of a polystyrene graft. Much research is directed towards the modification of polymers to enhance their primary properties by blending, grafting and forming composites. There is a great need to determine the spatial distribution of the components if the bulk properties of the new product are to be understood. Raman spectroscopic mapping of a polymer surface can provide chemical information to a lateral spatial resolution of 1 micron and requires little or no sample preparation, and therefore is an important tool for the characterisation of these new materials [1]. We present here three applications that arose from projects undertaken at the Centre for High Performance Polymers that illustrate the strength of Raman spectroscopic mapping as such a tool. 1. Characterisation of Polymer Blends Formed by Supercritical CO2. (Kris Thurecht) [2] The aim of this project was to create polymer blends of two otherwise immiscible homopolymers, and hence form a material having unique properties. Supercritical carbon dioxide was used as a solven