Applications of Computerized Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Infrared Spectroscopic Techniques to Rubber Analyses

Abstract

Abstract Fourier transform spectroscopy is without doubt one of the most important developments in spectroscopy in the last few years. Although the basic principle had been known for many years, its applications in spectroscopy became practical only because of advances in small computer technology. In the case of nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy, the digital computer has had a special effect, in that it has caused, or at least made possible, the total redesign of NMR and IR instrumentation based on the Fourier transform (FT) concept. Because of its advantages over conventional methods, the FT method has caused great changes in NMR and IR spectroscopy, and FT instruments have made possible the solutions to many problems which previously were technically too difficult. NMR spectroscopy was reviewed in this Journal in 1976 and infrared spectroscopy was reviewed in 1972. Developments since those reviews will be emphasized here. In a short, selective review of this type, it is necessary to omit references to many excellent contributions in the literature. For very comprehensive listings of literature references, the reader may wish to consult the biennial reviews in “Analytical Chemistry” on NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, rubber, analysis of high polymers, and coatings.