The IMDEA Materials Institute (Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Materiales) is a public research center at the forefront of materials science and engineering. Its polymer research focuses on how molecular architecture, formulation, and processing parameters influence crystalline microstructure and material properties. 

“Our goal is to understand how variations in molecular architecture, formulation, and processing parameters influence the development of crystalline microstructure, and how this microstructure affects a material’s properties,” says Dr. Juan Pedro Fernández Blázquez, Staff Scientist and Technical Coordinator at the IMDEA Materials Institute.

To investigate these relationships, IMDEA’s researchers combine SAXS with DSC, DMA, rheology, and mechanical testing. SAXS provides information on crystalline phases and structural parameters such as lamellar thickness and long period, and in situ SAXS/WAXS measurements track structural changes during thermal treatment and mechanical deformation.

From limited beamtime to a faster research cycle

In 2023, IMDEA installed Anton Paar’s SAXSpoint 5.0 laboratory beamline, giving researchers in-house access to SAXS/WAXS measurements. Instead of relying on synchrotron access once or twice a year, the team can now measure daily, obtain structural information immediately, and adjust experiments without waiting months for beamtime. 

“The quality of the data, together with the ability to perform routine SAXS/WAXS experiments in-house whenever needed, has significantly increased our research capabilities,” says Fernández Blázquez. 

Since installation, SAXSpoint 5.0 has contributed to more than 10 scientific publications, a number Fernández Blázquez expects to reach 15 to 20 per year in the future. 

Excellent beam stability, improved background control, and a simpler experimental setup also support more efficient routine measurements and data analysis. 

“The entire research cycle has become much more efficient, significantly accelerating both data generation and scientific output.” 

Building on an established partnership

SAXSpoint 5.0 is one of several Anton Paar instruments used at IMDEA, reflecting the institute’s confidence in Anton Paar instrumentation and its comprehensive technical and application support.

“Whenever we have questions regarding data interpretation, experimental design, or the implementation of new measurement protocols, we have been able to rely on their expertise and responsiveness,” Fernández Blázquez says.