Autonomous Hyperspectral Characterisation Station: Robot Aided Measuring of Polymer Degradation

摘要

This paper addresses a gap between the capabilities and utilisation of robotics and automation in laboratory settings and builds upon the concept of Self Driving Labs (SDL). We introduce an innovative approach to the temporal characterisation of materials. The article discusses the challenges posed by manual methods involving established laboratory equipment and presents an automated hyperspectral characterisation station. This station integrates robot-aided hyperspectral imaging (HSI), complex material characterisation modelling, and automated data analysis, offering a non-destructive and comprehensive approach. This work explains how the proposed assembly can automatically measure the half-life of biodegradable polymers with higher throughput and accuracy than manual methods. The investigation explores the effect of pH, number of average molecular weight (Mn), end groups, and blends on the degradation rate of polylactic acid (PLA). The novel contributions of the paper lie in introducing an adaptable classification station for characterisation and presenting an innovative methodology for polymer degradation rate measurements. The proposed system holds promise for expediting the development of high-throughput screening and characterisation methods within advanced material and chemistry laboratories. Note to Practitioners—The characterisation and classification of materials hold significant importance within the realms of materials science, chemistry, manufacturing and the circular economy. We introduce an innovative approach by employing robotics to automate hyperspectral imaging and processing to accelerate and improve material characterisation within a laboratory environment. This methodology facilitates the time-dependent characterisation of materials. This automated system encompasses sample manipulation and handling for hyperspectral scanning, accompanied by automated image and data processing procedures to minimise manual interventions effectively. The developed system can be seamlessly integrated into lab settings, offering objective, accurate, and automated measurement of biodegradable polymer degradation rates.