Streamlining material degradation testing: collaborative robotics for specimen monitoring

Abstract

The development of polymer materials for real-world applications requires careful assessment of material degradation over time and under environmental exposure. Such tests often necessitate frequent monitoring of test specimens, which can become burdensome for researchers. This study presents the application of a collaborative robot to automate repetitive tasks involved in monitoring materials exposed to solvents such as water. The primary setup enables the monitoring of a large number of specimens immersed in a water bath, recording their mass, and directing them for mechanical testing at specified intervals. The experiment is further supported by several do-it-yourself accessories, including Arduino-controlled water replacement, temperature regulation, and specimen drying. We demonstrate the setup's utility by monitoring water absorption in various nylon materials, as well as the Charpy impact strength of polylactic acid (PLA) specimens immersed in water. Lastly, we propose additional modifications to allow for more complex measurements, particularly for samples requiring precise control over the composition of the immersion solvent.