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Author Spotlight: Advances in Nanoscale Infrared Spectroscopy to Explore Multiphase Polymeric Systems
Published on: June 23, 2023
984
Towards Real-Time In-Situ Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Ellipsometry in Polymer Processing
Alexander Ebner1, Robert Zimmerleiter1, Kurt Hingerl2
1RECENDT-Research Center for Non-Destructive Testing GmbH, 4040 Linz, Austria.
Polymers
|January 11, 2022
Summary
Quantum cascade laser (QCL) mid-infrared ellipsometry offers faster, high-resolution polymer analysis. This advanced technique enables real-time in-situ monitoring of polymer structure and reorientation during processing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Conventional mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopic ellipsometry using thermal emitters has long acquisition times.
- Recent advancements in quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have significantly improved signal-to-noise ratios in MIR spectroscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the benefits of QCL-based MIR ellipsometry for polymer analysis.
- To showcase the potential for real-time in-situ monitoring in polymer processing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a QCL-based MIR ellipsometer for spectroscopic analysis.
- Investigated single and multilayered polymer films, including polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol/polyethylene.
- Monitored molecular reorientation during a polymer stretching process.
- Performed varying angle spectroscopic ellipsometry on multilayer films.
Main Results:
- Reduced acquisition times from hours to under 1 second for high-resolution spectra.
- Successfully monitored molecular reorientation in real-time during a 24.5-second stretching process.
- Achieved unprecedented sample throughput for varying angle MIR ellipsometry, analyzing a multilayer film in 17.2 seconds.
Conclusions:
- QCL-based MIR ellipsometry provides superior spectral and temporal resolution compared to conventional methods.
- This technique is well-suited for advanced in-situ monitoring in dynamic polymer processing applications.
