High-speed polarization imaging for in situ quality assessment in the fiber spinning process

An in situ, high-speed polarization imaging method is developed and implemented for the detection of abnormalities in polymer fibers during production. The images are initially adjusted through a motion tracking algorithm. Depending on the production and image acquisition rates, the image analysis can then be processed through two methods, with the latter allowing for an increase in imaging frequency through data modeling. The imaging method is applied in both pre- and post-quenching conditions. The post-quenching results demonstrate the ability to detect defects once the polymer has reached a sufficient crystallization state.