In this book, measurements using vibrational spectroscopy techniques for both the chemical and physical characteristics of polymers are described, alongside chapters covering spectra-structure correlations and spectra calculation. Special chapters deal with composites and conducting polymers, while others discuss the role of vibrational spectroscopy in understanding polymer weathering and degradation, and determining the optical, dielectric and solar and thermal properties of polymers. Dichroism measurement methods, important in understanding product performance, are covered, as well as practical methods for determining molecular orientation; linear, biaxial and trichroic determinations for polymers, as are dynamic measurement systems.

Neil Everall (ICI Technology, UK) is well-known as an excellent polymer Raman spectroscopist. He has developed and adapted new Raman techniques, especially for industrial polymer characterization and process monitoring.

John Chalmers (VS Consulting, UK) is one of the leading IR spectroscopists in the field of polymers. He has extensive experience in the applications of the different techniques to solve scientific as well as industrial problems. He has been the organizer of many conferences and courses on vibrational spectroscopy (sometimes in collaboration with N. Everall), and has written articles and reviews about this topic.

Peter Griffiths (University of Idaho, USA) is a world-famous expert in the field of Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (IR and Raman), not only on polymers. He has developed a lot of instruments and special techniques (including hyphenated/coupled methods) as well as theoretical principles. In addition, he speaks regularly at conferences and courses, and has written many articles, reviews and books.