A versatile steel belt casting equipment for in situ synchrotron radiation x-ray scattering measurement of polymer films.

The article focuses on the design, development, and validation of a novel multi-functional steel belt casting equipment integrated with synchrotron radiation (SR) in situ x-ray scattering measurements for studying polymer film casting processes. This equipment, weighing approximately 6–7 tons and measuring about 5 meters in length, supports both wet (solution-casting) and dry (melt-casting) film casting modes with precise control over parameters such as temperature, casting speed, and drying wind speed. Its modular design includes a tilt-adjustable platform to facilitate x-ray penetration, an insulation drying chamber with independently controlled temperature zones, and an automatic steel belt correction system to maintain alignment during casting. The feasibility of the equipment was demonstrated through in situ wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) experiments on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, enabling real-time observation of structural evolution during film formation. This platform offers a valuable tool for advancing the understanding of polymer film casting mechanisms and optimizing industrial processing parameters.