Infrared spectral study of noncrystalline rodlike polymers

Oriented and unoriented films of noncrystalline, wholly‐aromatic, rodlike polyamides, and polyesteramides were examined by infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that orientation, accomplished by means of mechanical stretching, approaches 80% in both polymer classes. Examination of the NH and the CO stretching region revealed an increase in the population of nonhydrogen bonded species (plateauing at ∼ 85%) as orientation increases. This unusual result may be caused by interchain steric interactions which may also be responsible for both the noncrystalline morphology and the non‐lyotropic behavior exhibited by these polymers.