Raman imaging and low-frequency Raman spectroscopy studies of polymers

In fifteen words or less, explain the significance of this contribution (Novel Aspect).: Raman imaging could be used to visualise the marine degradation process of plastics.

Abstract Text:

   Raman imaging is one of the most powerful tools for exploring the correlation between the physical properties and structure of polymers, as it allows non-destructive visualisation of the inside as well as the surface of a sample.  In addition, the Raman spectra in the low-frequency region are sensitive to the higher-order structure, crystalline structure, lattice expansion, and intermolecular interactions in polymers. Therefore, Raman imaging and low-frequency Raman spectroscopy can be used to directly characterize skeletal motions and solid-state properties involving inter- and intramolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding. Here, some studies using Raman imaging and low-frequency Raman spectroscopy of polymers are presented.

   As an example, the visualization of the marine degradation process of polymer materials is presented. Marine degradable polymers are degraded from amorphous part of the polymer surface. We have investigated the degradation process of biodegradable polymers in seawater using Raman Imaging. By comparing Raman imaging in the high-frequency and low-frequency regions, the degree of crystallinity and intermolecular interactions of plastics in the marine biodegradation process can be investigated. The crystallinity was found to fluctuate during the marine degradation process.