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Fluorescence based measurement of temperature profiles during polymer processing
Author(s) -
Migler Kalman B.,
Bur Anthony J.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.10182
Subject(s) - materials science , temperature measurement , fluorescence , polymer , measure (data warehouse) , confocal , optics , composite material , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemistry , thermodynamics , chromatography , physics , database , computer science
We describe a novel noninvasive method to measure temperature profiles during processing. A key feature is the use of a temperature‐sensitive fluorescent dye that is incorporated into the polymer resin at dopant levels. By monitoring spectral features of this dye, we can effectively measure its temperature. A focusing technique that we call “confocal fluorescent optics” then allows us to measure the temperature as a function of position into the resin. We present results of critical tests of the device. Namely we test the spatial resolution and its ability to measure a linear temperature profile in a quiescent polymer. Finally, we present the first on‐line temperature profile measurements, carried out in a circular die at the exit of a twin screw extruder. Temperature gradients on the order of 5°C/mm in a polyethylene resin are observed between the outer wall and the center of the die.