Small Angle Neutron Scattering on Polymers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Russell, Thomas P.

Affiliations: Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003

Note: [] E-mail: russell@iskra.pse.UMASS.ed

Abstract: Many polymer molecules can be isotopically labelled by substituting deuterium for hydrogen on the polymer chain. The labelling method minimally perturbs the thermodynamics of polymeric systems while providing superb contrast for neutron experiments. In this article, some of the uses of small angle neutron scattering and neutron reflectivity for the investigation of polymers in the bulk and near interfaces will be discussed. There is no question that neutron techniques, augmented with results from other techniques, have provided key pieces of information to define conformation and configuration of polymer chains uniquely and quantitatively.

Keywords: Polymers, Scattering, Neutrons, Interface, Mixtures

DOI: 10.1080/10238169908200121

Journal: Journal of Neutron Research, vol. 7, no. 3, 4, pp. 277-290, 1999