Abstract
The instruments, principles, measurement techniques and applications of infrared spectroscopy (IR) were reviewed. The instruments are classified to two types, conventional dispersive type and Fourier-transform type. The latter type shows a relative importance in practical use. The characteristics and principles of several techniques for surface analysis, such as “reflection spectroscopy”, “attenuated total reflection spectroscopy”, and “reflection absorption spectroscopy” were described. Examples of applications of these techniques to study the growth of inhibitor film, the degradation of polymeric materials, the structural change of lubricant film, and the orientation of organic molecule etc. were also shown briefly.