Derivative Infrared Spectra of Ramie

Abstract

A derivative technique has been applied to infrared absorption spectrophotometry of ramie in the regions 4000-2500 and 2000-700 cm-1. The second derivative spectra at different scan speeds and differentiator time constants in these regions have been compared with the absorption (zeroth derivative) spectra. The derivative spectra mea sure the slope or curvature of the absorption contours, facilitate to resolve, and detect absorptions that are unresolvable due either to band overlap or low intensity. This method may thus provide more detailed information on the fine structure of cellulose.