A study of polymer chain diffusion by surface enhanced Raman: effects of plasmonic substrate topology.

We report on a new methodology to track chain interdiffusion between polymer slabs based on Raman enhanced by plasmonic substrates. Diffusion is studied in a deuterated-polystyrene/polystyrene (dPS/PS) polymer pair, designed to provide a well-characterized diffusion behavior. The bilayer, 160 nm thick in total, is supported on a plasmonic substrate that provides local amplification of Raman signals in sample regions of close proximity to it.

Subtle Structural Aspects of Propylene-Based Copolymers as Revealed by Raman Spectroscopy.

Raman spectroscopy is used to elucidate fine details of the rather complex microstructure of ethylene-propylene copolymers (EPCs). This paper is focused on a series of commercial EPCs (Versify by Dow) with well-characterized ethylene content. Particular emphasis is given on the analysis of crystal type and content and their relation with EPC chain microstructure.