Real-time measurement system for monitoring and/or controlling properties of a composition transitioning from liquid state to solid state

An automated apparatus, comprising

• a drying element,
• a temperature pyrometer,
• a laser displacement sensor,
• a platform for holding a composition,
• an electronic balance, and
• a spectral birefringence measurement system.

A method for monitoring and controlling real-time conditions comprising the steps of

• providing a composition selected from the group consisting of dryable compositions, swellable compositions, solidifiable compositions, polymerizable compositions, and mixtures thereof;
• providing an apparatus comprising a temperature pyrometer, a drying element, a laser displacement sensor, and an electronic balance;
• drying, swelling, solidifying, or polymerizing the composition;
• and
• measuring the temperature, thickness, weight, in-plane birefringence, and out-of-plane birefringence of the composition.