A Novel Approach to Photoacoustic FT-IR Spectroscopy: Rheo-Photoacoustic Measurements

Abstract
A new rheo-photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared cell has been developed to perform stress-strain studies on polymeric materials. The rheo-photoacoustic measurements lead to the enhancement of the photoacoustic signal and allow one to monitor the effect of elongational forces on the molecular structure of polymers. Propagating acoustic waves are detected as a result of the deformational changes and thermal property changes upon the applied stress. Applications of this technique to fibers, films, and adhesion of thin films are presented.