title: Characterization of Combinatorial Polymer Blend Composition Gradients by FTIR Microspectroscopy.
abstract: A new FTIR technique was developed for characterizing thin polymer films used in combinatorial materials science. Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy mapping technique was used to determine the composition of polymer blend gradients. Composition gradients were made from poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) in the form of thin films (6 cm × 2 cm) deposited on IR reflective substrates. Three composition gradient films were prepared and characterized. The results demonstrate the reproducibility and feasibility of a new, high-throughput approach for preparing and characterizing polymer composition gradients. The combination of composition gradient film technology and automated nondestructive FTIR microspectroscopy makes it possible to rapidly and quantitatively characterize polymer composition gradients for use in combinatorial materials science.
authors.affiliation: American Dental Association Foundation, Paffenbarger Research Center, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8546.
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eidelman
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
authors.forename: Carl G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Simon
keywords: FTIR microspectroscopy; biomaterials; combinatorial materials science; combinatorial methods; high-throughput assay; low-e glass; poly(lactic acid); polymer blends