ABSTRACT
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a most useful technique for characterizing coatings, a very cost-effective and efficient means of gathering information. If not the final answer, IR studies can point the way to other information or techniques needed to solve a problem. Ease of sample preparation is one advantage of IR. There are numerous ways of presenting the coating sample to the infrared spectrometer. The wide variety of sampling accessories or attachments, which can easily be swapped in and out of most spectrometers, enables the study of liquids and solids under a wide range of conditions. There is large body of literature on infrared methodology,
and there are extensive collections of reference spectra available. Almost all components of coatings can be identified by IR; it is especially useful for polymers. IR spectroscopy can monitor changes, such as drying, curing, and degradation, which occur to coatings. Quality control of raw materials and process monitoring during coating synthesis and formulation can be done by IR spectroscopy.
