STUDY OF AMBER (SUCCINITE) OPTICAL PROPERTIES BY IR-SPECTROSCOPY METHOD

Subject of Research.We propose a solution for amber identification problem (succinite) as an example of natural polymeric material of organic origin. The solution is based on obtaining its infrared absorption spectra by infrared spectroscopy. The advanced method makes it possible to obtain both real and elemental compositions. In the conditions of growing demand for the use of such composite (complexly composed) materials on an industrial scale and the lack of existing methods for determination of their composition, the proposed method can become a new solution to the identification problem. Method. The basis of the proposed method for succinite study by infrared spectroscopy is transmission spectroscopy with the measurement of specular and diffuse reflection. We used the infrared Fourier spectrometer VERTEX 70 (BRUKER), the RockSolid ™ interferometer with the HYPERION 1000V microscope for the study. Amber samples from the Palmniken deposit, obtained in the city of Kaliningrad, Russian Federation, were used as the researched objects. Samples of various degrees of transparency and heat treatment were selected. Main Results. We have obtained and comparedthe data of infrared succinite spectra by the proposed infrared spectroscopy method. The distinctive characteristics are shown in the four main spectra groups: 1700–1735 cm^–1, 1640 cm^–1, 2800–3000 cm^–1, 3400–3480 cm^–1, regardless of material transparency characteristics. Five main links on the obtained IR spectra have been experimentally identified, which can be used as characteristic features for the identification and diagnosis of the succinite from the Palmniken deposit in terms of material composition. The influence of amber thermal processing on the differentiation of its structure, in particular, the restructuring of the C-O group makes it difficult to identify in heat-treated materials and requires further investigation of this phenomenon. Practical Relevance. The proposed method may be of interest in the field of the theory of knowledge of materials science, research related to identification processes, processing and manufacturing of products from amber. The carried out studies can find application at synthesis of high-molecular compounds, in issues connected with the development and distribution of various cases of application of organic nature materials, succinite, in particular.

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