Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a widespread instrumental technique used to determine the molecular structure of organic polymers. With the goal of increasing instrumental use in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory, we have devised a quantitative FTIR experiment to be used in undergraduate instrumental analysis courses. The objective was to determine the % PVOH in copolymers with PE as well as to determine the % PVAc in copolymers and blends with PVP. We report on the methodology used in determining % PVOH and % PVAc, as well as the results obtained via FTIR and elemental analysis. The PVOH-PE copolymers ranged from 27 to 44 mol% PE and the copolymers and blends of polyvinyl pyrrolidone-polyvinyl acetate ranged from 20 to 70 weight%.

Quantitative analysis of polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene (PVOH-PE) copolymers and polyvinyl pyrrolidone-polyvinyl acetate (PVP-PVAc) copolymers and blends using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis

2019 Spring National Meeting

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