Correlative Raman Imaging of Polymeric Materials

Correlative Raman Imaging of Polymeric Materials

Conventional characterisation techniques for polymers lack the ability to chemically differentiate materials with sufficient spatial resolution and without damaging, staining or otherwise mistreating them. However, WITec correlative microscopy comprised of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and confocal Raman imaging opens new avenues for the analysis of advanced polymeric materials when a detailed understanding of physical and chemical properties is required. While AFM records topographic information, and local mechanical characteristics along and perpendicular to the surface of a sample with high spatial resolution, Raman imaging reveals its molecular composition.