The properties of a polymer are strongly influenced by its morphology. In the case of fibers from semi-crystalline polymers this consists of the degree of crystallinity, the spacing and alignment of the crystalline regions, and molecular orientation of the polymer chains in the amorphous regions. Information on crystallinity and orientation can be obtained from X-ray analysis. In-situ X-ray characterization of a polymer during the melt spinning process is a major source of information about the effects of material characteristics and processing conditions upon structure evolution along the spinline, and the final structure and properties of the end product. We have recently designed and installed an X-ray system capable of in-situ analysis during polymer melt spinning. To the best of our knowledge this system is unique in its capabilities for the simultaneous detection of wide angle and small angle X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS, respectively), its use of a conventional laboratory radiation source, its vertical mobility along the spinline, and its ability to simulate a semi-industrial environment. Setup, operation and demonstration of the capabilities of this system is presented herein as applied to the characterization of the melt spinning of isotactic poly(propylene). Crystallinity and crystalline orientation calculated from WAXS patterns, and lamellar long period calculated from SAXS patterns, were obtained during melt spinning of the polymer along the spinline.
In-Situ X-Ray Characterization of Fiber Structure during Melt Spinning