FT-IR surface analysis of poly [(4-hydroxybenzoic)-ran-(2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid)] fiber – A short review

Instrumental techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) constitute well-studied methodologies for polymer characterization, including polymeric fibers. However, a relatively short number of scientific publications involve the characterization of commercial Poly [(4-hydroxybenzoic)-ran-(2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid)] (Vectran™) fiber and its surface species. The majority of the published infrared studies uses the medium infrared region (MIR) associated to the Attenuated total reflection (ATR) method. In this scenario, this short review addresses the characteristics of Vectran™ fiber, sample depth data of each FT-IR spectrum mode, reflection and photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS), including near infrared (NIR) analysis. This paper addresses also researches on the characterization of Vectran™ by several FT-IR analysis conditions aiming to contribute to future studies. This brief review deals with methodologies developed in the last decade and published by several scientific research groups, emphasizing studies conducted in the last five years. A critical assessment and trends are also included. •The characterization of Vectran fiber has been little explored, which offer opportunities for further research.•ATR (Ge), UATR, FT-IR microscopy and PAS are best suited for fibers and its surface species analysis.•Few studies have been found that use them to analyze Vectran behavior and its characteristics.•The existing gap in this scientific field related to FT-IR techniques applied to the analysis of the Vectran fiber surface.