7
A change in the PC/PMMA ratio directly corresponded to changes in the Raman spectra. At the start of the experiment, the Raman signal was dominated by PMMA contributions and the quantifi cation model confi rmed a stable 30% PC concentration with minimal fl uctuations.
The peak at 890 cm-1 was used for quantifi cation. When the blend ratio changed to
50% PC / 50% PMMA, the spectra show that the measured concentration after 13 min was slightly lower than the expected 50% (Figure 3). This implies that the transition phase was not long enough to achieve a fully stabilised mixture before advancing to the next composition of 70% PC / 30% PMMA.
Additionally, Raman spectroscopy can be used to analyse mixing inconsistencies in situ that would be otherwise diffi cult to detect with offl ine analysis alone. This gives users consistent and continuous information on the material chemistry during extrusion, enabling better process design and control.
Summary
This study demonstrates how adding in situ Raman spectroscopy to the extrusion process can be a game changer for polymer industry as well as research purposes by allowing real-time monitoring of polymer blend compositions.
The study shows the ease of quantifying PC and PMMA concentrations and evaluating polymer homogeneity by analysing Raman spectral features at key vibrational bands.
In-line monitoring of polymer extrusion using Raman spectroscopy eliminates the dependence on offl ine analyses, leading to more effi cient and accelerated formulation development, process development, faster scale-ups as well as improved quality control.
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It includes real measurement data from Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, water- selective moisture analysis, viscometry, gas pycnometry, nanoindentation testing, and zeta potential analysis – as well as insights into how manufacturers can enhance efficiency while improving product quality.
Authors
Figure 3: Comparison of loss modulus (red) and storage modulus (black) for a UV curing resin reaction.
For the 70% PC / 30% PMMA stage, signifi cantly larger fl uctuations in the Raman signal were observed. This indicates that the mixing process was not as uniform, leading to variations in polymer concentration within the extruded strand. Offl ine pellet measurements confi rmed these fi ndings, showing that the samples with 70% PC were not homogeneous and corroborating the in-line Raman observations.
By easy creation and application of quantifi cation models on the Cora 5001, the relative PC/PMMA concentrations were also determined directly from the Raman spectra, thereby allowing for real-time composition tracking.
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www.labmate-online.com Marek Biermann
Dr. Nils Bertram Michael Stanko High-speed, compact FT-NIR spectrometer with Ethernet connectivity
Hamamatsu Photonics has unveiled the C16511-01, a powerful new addition to its spectrometer range. This compact FT-NIR spectrometer engine is currently the smallest of its kind on the market and is capable of capturing up to 275 spectra per second - delivering the speed and sensitivity needed for demanding industrial and research environments.
FT-NIR (Fourier Transform Near Infrared) spectroscopy is widely used in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food production, agriculture, and chemical processing, where accurate and rapid analysis is essential for quality control and process monitoring. The C16511-01 is designed to make these high-performance capabilities more accessible, offering reliable spectral resolution and excellent light throughput in a highly integrated and cost-effective solution.
A key advantage of the C16511-01 is its spectral performance. Covering a response range from 1100 nm to 2500 nm, the device supports rapid spectral acquisition at speeds suitable for real-time process analytics. Its precision is underpinned by a built-in semiconductor laser, ensuring high wavelength accuracy across measurements.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the unit remains compact - measuring just 68 × 124 × 66 mm - making it easy to embed within existing OEM systems or portable instruments. The spectrometer supports diffuse refl ection and transmittance modes, allowing users to analyse solids, liquids, or powders.
Connectivity is another standout feature. The Ethernet interface ensures straightforward integration with both Windows and Linux environments. Supplied evaluation software enables users to set measurement conditions, acquire and view data, while DLL specifi cations are openly provided for developing custom software applications.
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Optical Surfaces Ltd specialises in the production of high-performance toroidal mirrors, ideal for spectroscopic and imaging applications. Toroidal mirrors feature an aspheric design, where the curvatures of horizontal and vertical axes differ. This unique structure enables toroidal mirrors to combine focusing and beam folding in a single element, making them particularly effective for systems requiring a small, focused spot. Their design enhances energy throughput, promotes compactness, and helps reduce overall costs. In addition, toroidal mirrors mitigate astigmatism, a common issue that arises when spherical mirrors are used off-axis.
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