An Application of Infrared Spectroscopy to Rubber Chemistry

Abstract

The applicability of infrared methods to some problems arising in the chemistry of rubber has been demonstrated. The spectra of isoprene, styrene, polymerized butadiene, and several types of rubber have been studied and certain variations in the 5.5μ—6.5μ regions are attributed to changes occurring during the processes of polymerization. The effects of vulcanization also appear in the spectra of the rubber samples. The methods of infrared analysis do not necessitate the use of solutions of rubber compounds in carbon tetrachloride or carbon disulphide as in the case of previous Raman work.