Fourier Transform Infrared Evolved Gas Analysis: Additional Considerations and Options

The technique of Fourier transform infrared evolved gas analysis described previously has been expanded both with respect to data processing options and to application areas. In this paper several of these additional options and applications are described. For improved qualitative and quantitative capabilities, smoothing and integration have been found beneficial. The use of interferometric processing permits compound specific profiles to be generated quickly. By considering reaction properties, the operations of spectral subtraction and factor analysis can be shown to yield information on both reaction stoichiometries and the number of reactions occurring vs temperature. In the area of applications, the examination of polymer chain length, functional group analysis, and intermolecular interactions are discussed.