Scattering From Polymer Systems

Abstract

Light, X‐ray, and neutron scattering techniques are complementary tools for the investigation of polymer structure and dynamics. This article introduces the working principles of static and dynamic light scattering (SLS/DLS), in combination with small‐angle X‐ray scattering and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), and their applications to studies of polymer structure and dynamics. General scattering theories based on momentum and energy transfer are introduced, focusing on the concepts of interference phenomenon and time correlation function. Several examples are given, including basic characterization of polymer molecular weight and weight distribution, single‐chain conformation and phase transition, hierarchical structures and aggregation kinetics, particle shape analysis, and condensed two‐phase systems. The advantages of a more comprehensive analysis by combining different scattering techniques are being emphasized. Practical aspects for choosing relevant techniques, sample preparation, and scattering background handling, etc., are briefly discussed to help the readers to effectively use those scattering techniques for studying the structure and dynamics of polymers.