Investigation into polymer-diffusant interactions using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

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Abstract

Using a polymer coated attenuated total reflectance (ATR) waveguide and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, interactions between penetrants and a Teflon® AF2400 polymer matrix were observed. The AF2400 membrane was coated onto the measuring surface of a ZnSe crystal, concentrating the target diffusant(s) within, and excluding interfering water from, the information region of the standing infrared evanescent wave. The Fickian diffusion of small molecular species into the AF2400 polymer membrane was followed through observation of distinct penetrant infrared absorption bands. During the analysis of a number of analytes (e.g. toluene, chlorobenzene (MCB), tetrachloroethylene (TeCE)), infrared bands caused by the action of penetrants within the AF2400 polymer matrix were observed. These bands may be attributed to the altering of original polymer infrared bands caused by optical or molecular (e.g. plasticisation) effects. The nature of the observed 'interaction bands' were investigated. Through monitoring of the interaction bands an increase in the detection sensitivity was observed for the examination of toluene solutions, indicating the potential of the penetrant/polymer interaction as a novel 'smart' enrichment technique for polymer-modified FTIR sensing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)75-82
Number of pages8
JournalVibrational Spectroscopy
Volume33
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Dec 2003

Keywords

  • Attenuated total reflectance
  • Diffusant/polymer interactions
  • Fourier transform
  • Mid-infrared spectroscopy
  • Polymer enrichment
  • Teflon® AF polymer membrane

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