Berlin 2014 – scientific programme

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MO: Fachverband Molekülphysik

MO 13: Posters 3: Cold Molecules, Helium Nano Droplets, and Experimental Techniques

MO 13.33: Poster

Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 16:30–18:30, Spree-Palais

Discrimination between new and aged ETFE plastic samples using Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analysis — •Alexandru Popa, Rasha Hassanein, Anais Colibaba, and Arnulf Materny — Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany

Ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (ETFE) a fluorine based plastic has gained widespread popularity due to its unique properties. ETFE is assumed to be stable against solar degradation, acid and alkali proof, and has a low friction coefficient, which enhances its resistance to atmospheric pollution such as dust or dirt particles. Beside these properties, ETFE is a lightweight transparent material and transmits all wavelengths of the solar spectrum. Therefore, it has been increasingly used in building applications. In our contribution, we present results of our recent work where we have applied Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analysis in order to study both 28 years old and new ETFE samples. The goal was to verify the predicted stability of the material. In this context excitation wavelengths of 514.5 and 785 nm have been used. The investigated ETFE samples were supplied by Vector Foiltec GmbH Bremen. The old samples had been partially in long-term use in roof structures and partially stored as reference samples in archives. Raman spectra of the investigated samples have been statistically treated using principal component analysis (PCA) analysis. A clear separation between the samples of different ages has been obtained for the Raman data obtained with 785 nm excitation. Raman spectra obtained with a 514.5 nm excitation only yielded a smaller separation into two clusters.