Infrared polarimetry: Anisotropy of polymer nanofibers

Abstract

We present a straightforward and easily interpretable multi-scale infrared (IR) spectroscopic characterization of anisotropy and arrangement of polymer nanofibers. Direct spectral interpretation of fiber bundles and single fibers with respect to their anisotropic properties is possible by applying non-invasive IR polarimetry at defined polarization states with spatial resolutions from the macroscale (a few mm) down to the nanoscale (a few 10 nm). A vivid relation is shown to exist between vibrational bands in s-polarized reflection and absorption-associated photothermal spectra measured by the AFM-IR technique. Such a relation is a prerequisite for detailed discussions of IR spectra with respect to complex fiber structures and materials.

Keywords

• IR multi-scale metrology
• Nanofiber
• Polycaprolactone (PCL)
• Touch-spinning
• AFM-IR
• Anisotropy