Heidelberg 2015 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

MO: Fachverband Molekülphysik

MO 23: Progress on Various Topics in Molecular Physics

MO 23.2: Talk

Friday, March 27, 2015, 11:15–11:30, PH/SR106

Investigation of ETFE Plastic Foils Using Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometric Analysis — •Alexandru Popa, Rasha Hassanein, and Arnulf Materny — Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany

Ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (ETFE) is a fluorine-based plastic, which presents excellent thermal and mechanical properties such as durability, flexibility, as well as light-weight, low frictional coefficient, long-term stability against solar degradation, and transmissivity of all visible wavelengths. Due to these outstanding characteristics, ETFE foils have become more and more popular in building applications, as roofing. Within the current contribution, ETFE samples produced by two manufacturers and with coatings applied by different companies have been investigated using confocal micro Raman spectroscopy with 514.5nm excitation. The confocal setup allowed for high depth resolution required to access the interface between coating and ETFE foil. The aim of the study was the comparison of print quality from two manufacturers for different ink types, as well as the correlation of print quality to the adhesion of the ink onto the surface of the foil. Samples were obtained and Raman spectroscopically investigated at different time-steps: after the coating took place and at different times while they were exposed to an accelerated weathering system with UV radiation, heat, and humidity. Changes seen in the Raman spectra will be discussed.