"Investigating Advanced Manufacturing Processes of Polymeric Materials with X-ray Scattering Techniques"

This event is sponsored by FAMU-FSU Engineering Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering.

Abstract: Advanced manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing of polymeric materials, often involve transitions of the materials from a complex (non-Newtonian) fluid to a solid state. These out-of-equilibrium processes follow a complex energy landscape, resulting in spatial and temporal heterogeneities that ultimately determine the final structure, functionality, and defects of the materials. In order to successfully 3D print polymer nanocomposites with designed sub-filament mesoscale structures, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding and control over the various processes that occur during both the printing and post-processing stages. To achieve this, we have developed a combination of in-situ instrumentation and synchrotron-based time-resolved (coherent) microbeam X-ray scattering techniques. These techniques allow us to accurately measure material dynamics, structure, strain, and defect formation, providing insight into the mechanisms behind structure formation at relevant spatial and temporal scales in polymer nanocomposites. This presentation will discuss examples of 3D printing processes that have been studied in-situ using time-resolved coherent small angle scattering, including pre-ceramic inks, thermosets, and dual-cure (UV/thermal) epoxy nanocomposites.

Dr. Lutz Wiegart

Staff Scientist

National Synchrotron Light Source II

Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY

Speaker Bio: Dr. Lutz Wiegart is a staff scientist at the National Synchrotron Light SourceII (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), where he is developing experimental capabilities for in-situ/operando studies of structure and dynamics in polymeric materials under out-of-equilibrium conditions during processing and application conditions. He received his PhD in Soft Condensed Matter Physics from the Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble, France) in 2007.