Investigation of interface properties of polypropylene multi-layer pipes via Raman-spectroscopy and X-ray scattering techniques

Polypropylene multi-layer pipes are widely used for sewer-applications in Europe. Due to smart build up of multi-layer pipes good combinations of important properties, such as chemical resistance for the inside layer, and mechanical strength for the other layers, can be achieved. Due to these
advantages, they replace more and more single layer pipes. However, to ensure a long service-time, structural integrity of the multi-layer build ups is essential. Interfaces and especially interfacial adhesion between layers play a major role in this endeavor. To assure good adhesion between layers, usually simple peel tests, either in laboratory or in the field, are performed. However, micromechanical interface properties like diffusion depth etc., which mainly govern the adhesion between different layers, are mostly neglected. Aim of this
work is to characterize interfaces between different layers using Raman-Spectroscopy and X-ray scattering.