FTIR Imaging of Polypropylene Blends and Micro-Composites

  • Dr Muthukumaraswamy Pannirselvam, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT Univesity, Australia
  • Mr Frank Antolasic, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT Univesity, Melbourne, Vic 3000, Australia
  • Prof Robert Shanks, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT Univesity, Melbourne, Vic 3000, Australia
  • The aim of this paper is to describe the application of FTIR imaging to the non destructive study of polypropylene (PP) blends and micro-composites. In this paper, we have discussed potential applications of FTIR imaging using Spotlight 400.The spatial resolution of Spotlight 400 used in this research is closer to 10 micro m. Spotlight 400 reduces the time it takes to view a complete picture of the sample including chemical variations of the polymer sample. In this paper, we have imaged PP blends, PP - talc composites, elastomers and fiber boards. Filler size used in this research is in the range of 10 µm and 50 µm. The results give a qualitative and quantitative analysis with a good spatial resolution and distribution of filler in composites. Thermo-mechanical and tensile properties results are also discussed. This paper also discusses the step by step methodology to adapt in studying polymer and polymer like materials using FTIR imaging.