Infrared Spectroscopy of Polymers X: Polyacrylates

Acrylate polymers are derivatives of acrylic acid, but contain a plethora of different functional groups and are best discussed by themselves. In this column, we study the spectrum of an important polymer, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is otherwise known as plexiglass, and is found in windows, car parts, and paint. We then study the spectra of PMMA mixtures and copolymers in detail.