Congtical Technology ’s thermal‑cold stages are supporting Hefei University of Technology’s research on polylactic acid modification, unlocking new possibilities for biodegradable materials.


Release date:

2026-04-24

Recently, a team of faculty members from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Hefei University of Technology published a groundbreaking research paper in the Chinese core journal “Elastomers,” successfully achieving dual modification of polylactic acid—both toughening and barrier enhancement. Wuhan Congtical Technology Co., Ltd.’s thermal‑cold stage provided a critical, precisely controlled temperature‑varying experimental environment for observing the crystalline morphology of the material, further demonstrating the reliable support that Chongguang’s thermal‑cold stages offer in polymer materials research.

Recently, a team of faculty members from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Hefei University of Technology published a groundbreaking research paper in the Chinese core journal “Elastomers,” successfully achieving dual modification of polylactic acid—both toughening and barrier enhancement. Wuhan Congtical Technology Co., Ltd.’s thermal‑stage system provided a critical, precisely controlled temperature‑varying experimental environment for observing the crystalline morphology, further demonstrating the reliable support that Chongguang’s thermal stages offer in polymer materials research.

 

Journal Title: Elastomers

Article Title: “Toughening and Barrier Modification of Polylactic Acid”

Journal Type: Chinese Core, Science and Technology Core

Client Organization: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology

Application Products: TT600T-PM

 

 


Equipment Introduction: TT600T-PM

   Sample position is available. XY The axis can be moved, and the translation stage can also be removed to minimize the overall footprint.

   It can be tested under atmospheric conditions or in a vacuum, and electrical test connectors can be added.

   It features a sleek appearance, with a lightweight, thin chamber and a compact structure, making it compatible with polarizing microscopes and suitable for analyzing samples such as geological inclusions and organic polymers.

Technical indicators

Technical Specifications

Cooling method

None

Temperature range

RT~600 °C

Temperature resolution

0.1 °C

Temperature control accuracy

± 0.1 °C

Maximum heating rate

150 °C /min

Maximum cooling rate

Natural cooling

Sample stage material

Silver

Sample stage size

phi 16mm

Maximum amplitude

2um

Clear aperture diameter

phi 2mm

Front observation window size

phi 18mm

Minimum objective working distance

3.5mm

Minimum condenser working distance

12mm

X Y Axis travel distance

± 6mm

Displacement resolution

0.01mm

Appearance dimensions

140mm*95mm*20mm

Cavity net weight

1 kg

 

     

 

 


Based on the experimental results, the hot‑cold stage from Congtical Technology enabled the research team to obtain clear data on crystal evolution: pure PLA Spherulites grow slowly and are large in size; addition of PPC Subsequently, due to poor interfacial compatibility, spherulite growth was significantly hindered; the addition of an epoxy chain extender improved the compatibility between the two phases, leading to an increased spherulite density and an accelerated growth rate; whereas… OMMT As a heterogeneous nucleating agent, in crystallization 1 minute At this point, a large number of initial crystal nuclei can be observed, significantly enhancing both the crystallinity and the crystallization rate of the material. These precise microstructural data, obtained using a polarizing optical microscope equipped with a heating–cooling stage, provide direct visual evidence and experimental support for the research team to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the improved mechanical and barrier properties of polylactic acid composites, thereby serving as a crucial safeguard for translating these findings into practical applications.

 

POM images of composite materials with different formulations undergoing isothermal crystallization at 120°C.

 

This successful collaboration with the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Hefei University of Technology represents another exemplary model of university–enterprise collaborative innovation. Leveraging our reliable, state-of-the-art equipment and professional, efficient services, we support the generation of cutting-edge research outcomes, fostering deep integration and synergistic development between academia and industry in the realm of scientific and technological innovation.

 

Products suitable for this type of application

Polarizing Microscope Heating and Cooling Stage

TES120T-PM, TES180T-PM, TE300T-PM, TS600T-PM, TT600T-PM

The sample stage of the polarizing microscope’s temperature‑controlled stage is movable along the X and Y axes, facilitating convenient sample observation; alternatively, the translation stage can be removed to minimize the overall footprint. This model supports both ambient‑atmosphere and vacuum‑pumping testing and can be equipped with electrical test connectors. Its compact design features a lightweight, thin chamber and a streamlined structure, making it compatible with polarizing microscopes from various manufacturers. It is well suited for analyzing geological inclusions, organic polymers, and other types of samples.
The sample position can be translated along the X and Y axes, or the stage can be removed to minimize the overall footprint.
Exquisitely designed, with a lightweight, thin cavity and a compact structure.
It can be tested under atmospheric conditions or in a vacuum, and electrical test connectors can be added.
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