Infrared study of polarization reversal in a polyurethane and its low molecular weight model compound

Ferroelectric polarization reversal in polyurethane [poly(trimethylene heptamethylene dicarbamate)] and low molecular weight urethane (pentamethylene stearyl dicarbamate) has been studied by a spectroscopic technique; Fourier transform infrared measurement of the samples while applying an external electric field. These samples showed typical electrical displacement versus electric-field hysteresis loops and pyroelectric properties. It is considered that the above properties result from urethane dipole rotation in the crystal under an external electric field. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.