Vibrational spectroscopy is advantageous as an analytical tool for polymers and comprises two complementary techniques: infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. This report is an absorbing overview of how these methods can be employed to provide information about complex polymeric macromolecules with respect to composition, structure, conformation and intermolecular interactions. The review is supported by several hundred abstracts selected from the Polymer Library, giving useful references for further reading. Key Features: Description of the elementary theory of vibrational spectroscopy and its use as a structural tool.; Overview of sampling techniques.; Discussion of the application of IR and Raman spectroscopy to polymer characterisation, including crystallinity, conformation, and orientation. Save 20% when you buy 2 or more titles in the Rapra Review Report Series (Volume 9 onwards). Just enter promotional code RRR20 when you get to the shopping cart. Please click here to see the full list of reports available.