How can you identify polycarbonate from FTIR?
This page summarizes the recurring FTIR evidence reported for polycarbonate, including the most frequent peaks, supporting functional groups, and literature-backed interpretation patterns. It is a structured evidence page, not a claim of automatic single-spectrum certainty.
Backed by 11 cited sources
Quick answer
polycarbonate is usually reported with a recurring pattern of peaks and functional-group evidence. The most useful approach is to cross-check at least two characteristic peaks before treating it as a match, then verify whether the full spectrum still fits the same material family.
Peak interpretation
Possible materials / groups
| Functional group | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Aromatic ring | 9 |
| Carbonyl (C=O) | 6 |
| Ester | 5 |
| Methacrylate | 4 |
| Acetate | 4 |
| Phosphate (PO4) | 4 |
| Methoxy (OCH3) | 3 |
| C-O single bond | 3 |
Spectrum logic
The logic here is evidence aggregation: repeated literature mentions of polycarbonate, repeated peak positions, and repeated functional-group associations. A strong material hypothesis should still be supported by multiple peaks that agree with each other, not by one headline band alone.
Real-world usage
This page is designed for polymer identification, incoming-material QC, unknown plastic analysis, recycled-content review, and literature-backed interpretation of reference spectra.
Common mistakes
- Calling a material match too early because one famous peak is present.
- Ignoring sample prep, fillers, oxidation, water, or additives that can change the apparent pattern.
- Using literature evidence without checking whether your own sampling mode and spectrum quality are comparable.
Verification advice
Use DSC, GC-MS, or TGA to validate the material hypothesis when the peak pattern is ambiguous or mixed.
Literature behind this page
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confidence 4.9
polycarbonate
Thermal modelling of hybrid composites of nano cenosphere and polycarbonate for a thermal protection system DOI: 10.1039/c4ra07973f -
confidence 4.9
Polycarbonate
Arefian 等 - 2020 - Polycarbonate biodegradation by newly isolated Bac DOI: 10.24425/aep.2020.132521 -
confidence 4.9
polycarbonate
Preparation and characterization of polycarbonate/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.8.203 -
confidence 4.9
Polycarbonate
One-Step Synthesis of Highly Efficient Oligo(phenylphosphonic Dihydroxypropyl Silicone Oil) Flame Retardant for Polycarbonate DOI: 10.3390/polym11121977 -
confidence 4.9
Polycarbonate
Enhancing the Interface Behavior on Polycarbonate/Elastomeric Blends: Morphological, Structural, and Thermal Characterization DOI: 10.3390/polym15071773 -
confidence 4.9
polycarbonate
Transparent sulfur-containing thermoplastic polyurethanes with polyether and polycarbonate soft segments DOI: 10.1007/s00289-017-2088-x -
confidence 4.9
Polycarbonate
Studies on Modification of Surface Properties in Polycarbonate (PC) Film Induced by DC Glow Discharge Plasma DOI: 10.1155/2011/426057 -
confidence 4.1
polycarbonate
Study on Thermal Decomposition Behaviors of Terpolymers of Carbon Dioxide, Propylene Oxide, and Cyclohexene Oxide DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123723 -
confidence 0.9
polycarbonate
Surface and Bulk Structure Characterization of Proton (3 MeV) Irradiated Polycarbonate DOI: 10.1080/00222340701457493 -
confidence 0.8
polycarbonate
A mechanism of surface hardness enhancement for H <sup>+</sup> irradiated polycarbonate DOI: 10.1039/d0ra05073c
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