Vibrational Spectroscopy of Polymer Composites

Abstract

The chapter reviews and illustrates with examples the diverse applications of vibrational spectroscopy to the study of polymer composites, which are defined as materials consisting of a polymeric (thermoplastic or thermoset) matrix reinforced with fibers (carbon, glass, polymer) or inorganic particles. After some discussion of the experimental difficulties that must be dealt with in obtaining spectra of these heterogeneous materials, the literature is reviewed under the following subject categories: quality control of polymer composites; studies of reinforcements (carbon, glass, polymer fibers, inorganic particulate fillers, cellulose‐based fillers), their surface treatments, and interphases; thermoplastic matrices (crystallinity, orientation); thermoset matrices (the study and monitoring of curing by mid‐infrared, near‐infrared, and Raman spectroscopies); environmental degradation. The chapter concludes with a brief coverage of newer types of composite materials: nanocomposites based on layered silicates (nanoclays), sol–gel preparation methods, and carbon nanotubes; molecular composites; and polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals.