FTIR imaging of polypropylene blends and micro-composites

This paper demonstrates the application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging to the non-destructive study of polypropylene blends and microcomposites. We discuss the FTIR imaging capabilities and limitations of the Perkin-Elmer Spotlight 400 infrared microscope. The spatial resolution of the Spotlight 400 is diffraction limited to the order of 1 0 ~m. Spotlight 400 reduces the time it takes to view a complete image of the specimen including chemical variations of materials. We have imaged polypropylene blends, polypropylenetalc composites. The filler size range used was 10 to 50 ~m. This paper discusses the specimen topology adapted to study polymers and polymer-like materials using FTIR imaging.