Infrared Spectra of High Polymers. III. Polytetrafluoroethylene and Polychlorotrifluoroethylene

Abstract

The infrared spectra of polytetrafluoroethylene and polychlorotrifluoroethylene have been obtained between 4000 cm—1 and 70 cm—1. Polarization measurements on oriented samples were obtained in the region of 4000 cm—1 to 300 cm—1. It is known from x‐ray diffraction studies that both polymers have helical chain configurations. From a factor group analysis of the one‐dimensional space group, selection rules and approximate vibrational patterns of the infrared active fundamentals have been derived. A calculation of the normal frequencies of an assumed planar zig‐zag chain model of (CF2) n has been made, resulting in a satisfactory assignment of the bands in the infrared spectra of both polymers.