Measurement of the Thermal and Solar Properties of Polymers by Vibrational Spectroscopy

Abstract This chapter presents the main thermal and solar properties of polymers and their measurement by vibrational spectroscopy. Polymers have been proven to have high potential for applications in solar energy conversion and are widely available low‐cost materials. After a brief survey to introduce the thermal and solar properties of materials, a few general methods of measurement of these properties will be examined that are especially appropriate for polymers. Several technical applications are presented such as the greenhouse effect in a heat‐transfer process, polymers as cover systems, corrugated and honeycomb structures, polymers as protective coatings, photocells, and conductive polymers.