Application of nitrogen-15 NMR to polymers

A large number of polymers for commercial use as well as biological macromolecules are based on nitrogen containing monomers. Thus, the understanding of their structure and molecular dynamics is of great importance. Practical observation of low natural abundance and sensitivity of N-15 isotope was made possible with the development of Fourier Transform techniques, although precise structural analysis and relaxation measurements require isotopic enrichment. The review summarizes all aspects of solution and solid state N-15 NMR techniques for the study of structure, conformation and molecular dynamics in linear and crosslinked polymers such as polyamides (nylons), synthetic polypeptides, conducting polymers, urea and melamine based resins. The application of recently developed NMR techniques significantly improves our understanding of structural and dynamical properties of nitrogen containing polymers at the molecular level.