Vibrational spectroscopic analysis of silicones: a Fourier transform-Raman and inelastic neutron scattering investigation.

An inelastic neutron scattering spectrum of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is reported, and a spectrum simulated using a monomer molecular unit as a model for comparison. FT-Raman spectra of a series of PDMS derivatives are reported and structure spectra correlations are shown to exist for the estimation of (a) PDMS average chain length, (b) ratio of the number of monofunctional units to quadrifunctional units in silicone resins, and (c) the percentage weight of PDMS in silicone emulsions.