A novel method for coatings characterization at high temperature

 
The characterization of the microscopic dynamics of coatings materials and polymer films is a very important step in every new development or quality control. We use dynamic light scattering in the highly multiple scattering regime (Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy, DWS) to investigate the microstructure evolution (evaporation, packing, particles deformation, coalescence?) of different materials at constant or increasing temperature (RT-250°C). This technology allows to detect the characteristic transitions (phase transition, open-time, dust-free?) with a very easy sampling protocol and a very high sensitivity for a large panoply of samples. We propose a new, non-invasive, very sensitive and cost-effective method to a better understanding of different materials. Several examples show the influence of the temperature on the drying, the evaporation before curing, the curing and the phase transition, which will allow the optimization of the drying/curing protocol and the new materials development.