RAMAN MICROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUNGICIDE CHLORTHALONIL IN A PVC FILM

Confocal Raman microscopy was used to study the solubility and spatial distribution (with ca, 2 mu m(3) resolution) of the fungicide chlorth alonil in a poly (vinyl chloride) matrix, Microcrystallites of fungici de, whose sizes depend on the initial concentration, were imaged and t heir edge-like distribution was identified, Other parts of the polymer film also contain fungicide, distributed unevenly over the area exami ned, and no particular pattern of 'activity' could be expected, It was found that the fungicide behaviour is not affected significantly by t he incorporation of a plasticizer at levels up to 45%.