The infra-red spectra of polymers and related monomers. I

Abstract
A survey has been made of the infra-red absorption spectra of a number of polymeric substances and their associated monomers. The present paper deals with the hydrocarbon-type polymers such as polythene, polyisobutylene, buna, hydro-rubber, polystyrene, and compounds related to them. The results reveal the existence of methyl groups in polythene, and also of a small number of carbonyl groups. The type of unsaturated products formed during the cracking of polythene is also indicated. The variation of spectrum with chain length has been examined using samples of polythene and isobutylene. The influence of state of aggregation has been studied and the use of plane polarized radiation with oriented films of polythene has been explored.