Application of FT-Raman spectroscopy for the characterisation of new functionalised macromers

Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy has been used extensively for the characterisation of polymers, especially polymers containing functional groups. New macromers with unsaturation have been synthesised using a living anionic polymerisation process. The reactions of living polystyryllithium with butadiene, followed by the capping reaction with mono or tri-functional chlorosilane norbornene were investigated. Characterisations by NMR and GPC have confirmed the formation of these macromers, but FT-Raman spectroscopy has revealed interesting information related to the isomerisation of the butadiene spacer in the polymer backbone.