Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy in the study of technological polymers Part 1: poly(aryl ether ketones), their composites and blends

FT-Raman spectroscopy has been demonstrated to be a very powerful technique for the analysis of commercial polymeric materials. The routine analysis of technologically relevant materials is of great interest. In this paper, the first of a series dedicated to the characterization of such polymeric materials by FT-Raman spectroscopy, poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and poly(aryl ether ketone) (PEK) are considered, and band assignments given. FT-Raman spectra of some model compounds are reported for the first time. FT-Raman spectra recorded from some composite materials and blends are also presented. Experimental data from a wide range of PEEK samples with different crystallinities are given, and the methods for the estimation of the crystallinity in PEEK are discussed in some detail. Taking into account certain limitations, FT-Raman can provide a rapid non-destructive estimation of the crystallinity of PEEK in some composite materials. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.