NanoOnSpect NanoOnSpect: KEY INFORMATION NanoOnSpect is an SME-targeted collaborative project funded by the European Commission. It involves 12 partners from 6 European countries, including industrial experts in sensor technology and research organisations. The project aims to accelerate the commercialization of innovative polymer nanocomposites by creating a comprehensive processing solution to quality problems. NanoOnSpect FUNDING The NanoOnSpect project has a total budget of 4.7 million EUR. The project started on 1st of April 2011 and will run until 31st of March 2015. APPROACH IN NANOONSPECT BOX: Development and process integration of several sensors for online measurement of polymer nanocomposite (PNC) properties. New PNC processing technology: Combination of the advantages of two compounding processes: twin-screw extrusion and Nexxus wetting technology Intelligent Module: Data obtained from the onBOX will be used in an artificial neural network and expert system to control the PNC processing in order to obtain reliable material quality on BOX – A NEW ONLINE CHARACTERIZATION AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR POLYMER PROCESSING ON Hukseflux Thermal Sensors ADDITIONAL INFORMATION www.nanoonspect.eu CONTACT Irma Mikonsaari, Coordinator Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT Joseph-von-Fraunhofer Strasse 7 76327 Pfinztal (Berghausen), Germany E-mail: [email protected] The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community‘s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7-NMP-2010-1.2-1) under grant agreement number 263406. 1 2 3 6 4 7 5 NanoOnSpect aims to meet a fundamental technological challenge: the production of polymer nanocompounds with consistent properties through online process control and the improved dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The project consortium, which includes several high-tech SMEs as well as two research institutions, is focused on the development of new sensors which will be combined in a so-called onBOX for comprehensive online process control. In the course of the project this system will be connected to an artificial neural network, an expert system and “Nexxus Channel” dispersion controlling device. The overall aim is to ensure a high and consistent product quality through adaptive control. ON BOX CHARACTERIZATION TOOL In the area of nanocompound characterization the onBOX has been developed in a pilot version and the first sensors have been adapted to the system. It is now able to measure viscosity, thermal and electrical conductivity, pressure, and melt temperature at different locations in the melt flow. Microwave, ultrasound and optical spectroscopy sensors have also been developed and are now being adapted to the onBOX. → www.nanoonspect.eu Picture above: onBOX pilot system SENSORS DEVELOPED FOR THE ON BOX The NanoOnSpect team is now able to perform online characterization of a variety of properties resulting in additional information about the polymer processed. (1) NIR and RAMAN spectroscopy provides information on filler content and dispersion quality. → www.ict.fraunhofer.de (2) Microwave sensors in corbino and resonator cavity mode provide additional information about the agglomeration behavior of the composite by characterizing the dielectrical behavior of the melt. → www.ict.fraunhofer.de and www.hbhmw.de (3) New optical temperature sensors have been developed, which are able to measure the real temperature gradient of the melt flow perpendicular to the flow direction. → www.fos-messtechnik.de (4) A miniaturized pressure sensor has been developed allowing a precise pressure control. → www.fos-messtechnik.de (5) An ultrasonic sensor system measures the response of the ultrasonic wave, as the ultrasonic waves behavior provides information on density and viscosity. → www. ateknea.com (6) The electrical resistance is measured in order to obtain information on electrical conductivity. → www.ict.fraunhofer.de (7) Thermal conductivity can be measured in the polymer melt flow. → www.hukseflux.com