Industrially relevant injection moulding apparatus for in situ time-resolving small-angle X-ray scattering measurements

Abstract

This work presents the design and construction of an automated industrial injection moulding apparatus that can be used with a typical multi-user beamline such as the NCD-SWEET small-angle X-ray scattering at the ALBA Synchrotron Light Source. This apparatus is focused on developing an understanding of how the mould temperature and the injection temperature and pressure affect both the orientation and morphology of the semi-crystalline polymer used to fabricate the injected parts. The system design follows current industrial practice and enables the collection of time-resolved X-ray scattering data at several points within the mould cavity, so we can understand the 4D morphology. In this work we show the effectiveness of the equipment using some results from the injection moulding of a random copolymer of polypropylene and that it can be used with a more demanding material such as polyhydroxybutyrate. This can be seen as the first step toward a multiscale digital twin for injection moulding.