1. Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 2100 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USADepartment of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 2100 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Fax: +1 216‐368‐4171;2. Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 2100 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Abstract:
This work reviews principles of Raman and infrared imaging, as well as applications of the art to understand physiochemical phenomena in polymer systems. Image sequences may be assessed in terms of spatial or spectral changes that occur over time, either within a specific region or across the field of view. As such, the methods have enabled the analysis of diffusion and dissolution processes at polymer interfaces, drug release from polymer matrices, and structural transitions among others. Despite analytical limitations imposed by resolution (spectral or spatial) and sample preparation, Raman and infrared imaging are powerful tools for relating performance attributes to molecular‐level characteristics.
