Characterization of extrusion-coated polymer layers by combined tensile testing and X-ray scattering
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - Bioscience and Materials / Surface, Process and Formulation |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 267 000 |
| Project duration | August 2019 - May 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Industrial pilot projects for utilisation of neutron- and photon based techniques at large scale infrastructures - spring 2019 |
| End-of-project report | 2019-02581_TetraPak.pdf (pdf, 524 kB) |
Important results from the project
The aim of the project was to evaluate the potential of X-ray measurements at a synchrotron source instead of laboratory equipment. Previous measurements at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen (NBI) showed that it was possible to perform tensile testing during X-ray scattering measurement of the thin plastic films from packaging materials, but that the measurement time to collect intensity was too long for analysis of changes in situ. With the synchrotron source, the goal was met, i.e. X-ray measurement could be done during mechanical deformation.
Expected long term effects
With synchtrotron source, high flux was obtained, which gave high resolution and the opportunity to investigate material structure in situ during mechanical deformation. With the synchrotron light, the measurement time was reduced from 1 hour to 1 s. Thus, one could follow the deformation of the sample and change in morphology under mechanical load and see the difference between different polyethylene films. The learnings of the methodology of X-ray scattering will be useful for material development of new environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging materials.
Approach and implementation
The strategy was to use experience from measurements of Tetra Pak´s packaging material in laboratory equipment at NBI. With the help of RISE, synchrotron measurement was planned at DESY in Hamburg. The measurement was executed by a team led by NBI just before the onset of the corona period restrictions. Data analysis and evaluation have been going on for several months after measurement. The methodology before, during and after measurement is an important lesson and is subjected to documentation and dissemination.