Light-scattering photometer with optical microscope for the in-line study of polymer extrusion

✍ Scribed by S. Li; K. B. Migler; E. K. Hobbie; H. Kramer; C. C. Han; E. J. Amis

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1997
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 333 KB
• Volume: 35
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0887-6266
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-0488(199712)35:17<2935::aid-polb16>3.0.co;2-8

✦ Synopsis

A light-scattering photometer with optical microscope for in-line studies during polymer processing is described. The instrument utilizes a commercial twinscrew extruding device that feeds molten polymer into a narrow slit die equipped with sapphire optical windows. The flow rate through the die is controlled via the feed rate, screw rate, and a by-pass valve. The optics for light scattering and microscopy can be switched back and forth via simple translation of a rail-mounted optical platform without realignment, allowing efficient in situ morphological studies in both real and reciprocal space. Extruded polystyrene/polyethylene blends and melts are used to demonstrate the performance and versatility of the instrument.