FACTOR-ANALYSIS APPLIED TO FOURIER-TRANSFORM INFRARED-SPECTRA

The feasibility of applying the methods of factor analysis to Fourier transform infrared spectra is examined. The method is designed to determine the number of components contributing to a spectral region. The technique has been applied to a model system consisting of solutions of p-, o-, and m-xylenes. the method has also been used for calculating the number of independently absorbing species in several polymer systems. Spectral requirements and the general applicability of factor analysis are also discussed.