Nondestructive Molecular Characterization of Polycarbonate–Polyvinylamine Composites after Thermally Induced Aminolysis

Thermal induced solid phase polymer reactions between bisphenol-A-based polycarbonate (PC) and polyvinylamine (PVAm) are used to form permanent composite material. The PC–PVAm interface is characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. IR spectra of synthesized reference substances which can be expected after PC–PVAm reaction are recorded and used to identify amidation product structures within the PC–PVAm interphase. Curve fit analysis is performed to isolated sub-bands. The spectral position of the carbonyl absorption band is a suitable marker for the identification of different amidation products. While the formation of urethane and cyclic Allophanate points to the formation of a co-polymer cyclic Urea indicates a PC chain scission without binding between both polymer materials.