ABSTRACT
For most adhesives the chemical starting material have been partially reacted to improve their handleability and processability in part manufacture. To establish physiochemical quality assurance procedures for a material, the chemical composition of the formulation must be known. Thermal analysis is the measurement of changes in the chemical or physical state of a material as a function of temperature. The value of thermal analysis in the characterization and control of adhesives is obvious in both quantitative and qualitative uses. Many other chemical techniques are available and are being used for quality control of polymeric materials. The infrared absorption spectrum of an organic material represents one of its truly unique chemical properties. Infrared spectroscopy is used most widely for identification of compounds and as a guide for determining molecular structure. One of the most significant technological advancements in the field of infrared spectroscopy has been the introduction of interferometer-equipped and digitally computerized infrared spectrophotometers.
