Neutron Scattering in Polymers

Abstract

We present a short overview about neutron applications in polymer science. After describing some neutron scattering basics such as neutron cross section and structure factors, we describe the major instrumentations that are used. Concerning structural research, we discuss neutron small‐angle scattering (SANS) and grazing incident SANS that because of space limitations stands also for reflectometry. In the realm of dynamics, we focus on quasielastic scattering (QENS) and address time of flight, backscattering, and neutron spin echo instruments. For both structural and dynamic studies, we present typical examples that demonstrate the breadth and width of neutron scattering in the field.

Thermal Density Fluctuations and Polymorphic Phase Transitions of Ethane (C2D6) in the Gas/Liquid and Supercritical States

“…Further experiments with SANS and other methods are needed to shed more light on the obviously complicated structure of monomolecular fluids. In this context, the temperature and pressure range must be extended to higher values, and neutron spin–echo experiments could also provide interesting information on the dynamics of droplet behavior . We believe that the issue of static and dynamic properties with respect to the Frenkel line and their contradictory determination will lead to a fruitful discussion for a better understanding of phase behavior in SC fluids.…”