We present a rheometer that combines the possibility to perform in-situ X-ray experiments with a precise and locally controlled uniaxial extensional flow. It thus allows to study the crystallization kinetics and morphology evolution combined with the rheological response to the applied flow field. A constant uniaxial deformation rate is ensured thanks to a fast control scheme that drives the simultaneous movement of the top and bottom plate during a pulling experiment. A laser micrometer measures the time evolution of the smallest diameter, where the highest stress is concentrated. The rheometer has a copper temperature-controlled oven with the ability to reach 250 • C and a N 2 connection to create an inert atmosphere during the experiments. The innovation of our rheometer is the fixed location of the midfilament position, which is possible because of the simultaneous movement of the two end plates. The copper oven has been constructed with four ad-hoc windows: two glass windows for laser access and two kapton windows for X-ray access.The key feature is the ability to perfectly align the midfilament of the sample to the laser micrometer and to the incoming X-ray beam in a synchrotron radiation facility, allowing to investigate structure and morphologies developed during extensional flow. The rheological response measured with our rheometer for LDPE is in agreement with the linear viscoelastic envelope and with the results obtained from existing extensional rheometers.To demonstrate the capability of the instrument we have performed in-situ time-resolved X-ray experiments on LDPE samples exhibiting extensional flow-induced crystallization.
Work performed as a part of the research project sponsored by the Federal Facilities Corp.. Office of Synthetio Rubber, in connection with the government synthetic rubber program.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.