Small angle x-ray scattering SAXS technique

Some small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques have also been applied to elastomers. Examples are the characterization of fillers precipitated into elastomers, and the corresponding incorporation of elastomers into ceramic matrices, in both cases to improve mechanical properties [4,85,213]. 

The small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique is widely used to probe the microstructure, interactions, and transformations in sol-gel and related colloidal systems, in both precursor-hydrolyzed and condensed forms, as well as during crystallization. 

Generally, it is most likely that metal NPs are stabilized by the aggregates of the non-functionalized imidazolium ILs rather than by the isolated ions. In addition, the interaction between ILs and the metal NPs have been evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), isotope labeling, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) techniques. 

The former problem is a general problem not only for polymers but also for any other materials (atomic or low molecular weight systems). Although nucleation is a well-known concept, it has never been confirmed by direct observation due to the low number density of the nuclei to be detected with present experimental techniques, such as small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Therefore, one of the most important unresolved problems for basic science is to obtain direct evidence to solve the nucleation mechanism of any material. 

Information on the morphology of polymers is revealed by techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), which is often called wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) by polymer scientists, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The crystallites exist in a polymer sample below the melting temperature T, an order-disorder transition, above which a viscous melt is formed. 

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