X-ray Scattering of Synthetic Polymers


Book Description

X-Ray scattering is one of the most powerful tools in the study of the structure of the wide class of polymeric materials in which partial crystallization occurs. The scattering at wide angles provides information on the unit cell variations, the crystallinity, the crystalline perfection and the orientation of the crystallites, whereas the scattering at small angles is specially suited to a description of the crystalline-amorphous morphology. As a result of scientific advances and industrial interest in polymers, progress in constantly being made in the application of X-ray scattering to these materials. This book describes the current state-of-the-art of the application of X-ray scattering to the study of solid polymer materials. As well as chapters on theory and instrumentation, the book covers subjects concerning the measurement of lattice constants, the crystalline perfection, the degree of crystallinity and the description of preferred orientation. In addition, special emphasis is given to the study of the crystalline morphology with the aid of small-angle X-ray scattering, giving both theoretical background and practical information.




Polymer Characterization


Book Description

Discerning the properties of polymers and polymer-based materials requires a good understanding of characterization. This revised and updated text provides a comprehensive survey of characterization methods within its simple, concise chapters. Polymer Characterization: Physical Techniques, provides an overview of a wide variety of characterization methods, which makes it an excellent textbook and reference. It starts with a description of basic polymer science, providing a solid foundation from which to understand the key physical characterization techniques. The authors explain physical principles without heavy theory and give special emphasis to the application of the techniques to polymers, with plenty of illustrations. Topics covered include molecular weight determination, molecular and structural characterization by spectroscopic techniques, morphology and structural characterization by microscopy and diffraction, and thermal analysis. This edition contains a new chapter on surface analysis as well as some revised problems and solutions. The concise treatment of each topic offers even those with little prior knowledge of the subject an accessible source to relevant, simple descriptions in a well-organized format.




Characterization of Polymer Blends


Book Description

Filling the gap for a reference dedicated to the characterization of polymer blends and their micro and nano morphologies, this book provides comprehensive, systematic coverage in a one-stop, two-volume resource for all those working in the field. Leading researchers from industry and academia, as well as from government and private research institutions around the world summarize recent technical advances in chapters devoted to their individual contributions. In so doing, they examine a wide range of modern characterization techniques, from microscopy and spectroscopy to diffraction, thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical measurements and chromatography. These methods are compared with each other to assist in determining the best solution for both fundamental and applied problems, paying attention to the characterization of nanoscale miscibility and interfaces, both in blends involving copolymers and in immiscible blends. The thermodynamics, miscibility, phase separation, morphology and interfaces in polymer blends are also discussed in light of new insights involving the nanoscopic scale. Finally, the authors detail the processing-morphology-property relationships of polymer blends, as well as the influence of processing on the generation of micro and nano morphologies, and the dependence of these morphologies on the properties of blends. Hot topics such as compatibilization through nanoparticles, miscibility of new biopolymers and nanoscale investigations of interfaces in blends are also addressed. With its application-oriented approach, handpicked selection of topics and expert contributors, this is an outstanding survey for anyone involved in the field of polymer blends for advanced technologies.




X-Ray Scattering of Soft Matter


Book Description

This manual is a useful ready-reference guide to the analytical power of modern X-ray scattering in the field of soft matter. The author describes simple tools that can elucidate the mechanisms of structure evolution in the studied materials, and follows this up with a step-by-step guide to more advanced methods. Data analysis based on clear, unequivocal results is rendered simple and straightforward – with a stress on careful planning of experiments and adequate recording of all required data.







Basic X-ray Scattering for Soft Matter


Book Description

X-ray scattering is a well-established technique in materials science. The aim of this text is to explain basic principles and applications of x-ray scattering in a simple way using many practical examples followed by more elaborate case studies. It contains a separate chapter on the different types of order/disorder in soft matter that play such an important role in modern self-assembling systems. Finally the last chapter treats soft matter surfaces and thin film that are increasingly used in coatings and in many technological applications, such as liquid crystal displays and nanostructured block copolymer films







Crystals and Crystallinity in Polymers


Book Description

Provides the tools needed to master and apply the fundamentals of polymer crystallography Using core concepts in physics, chemistry, polymer science and engineering, this book sheds new light on the complex field of polymer crystallography, enabling readers to evaluate polymer crystallization data and determine the best methods to use for their investigations. The authors set forth a variety of tested and proven methods for analyzing ordered and disordered structures in polymer crystals, including X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and microscopy. In addition to the basics, the book explores several advanced and emerging topics in the field such as symmetry breaking, frustration, and the principle of density-driven phase formation. Crystals and Crystallinity in Polymers introduces two new concepts in crystallinity and crystals in synthetic polymers. First, crystallinity in polymeric materials is compatible with the absence of true three-dimensional long-range order. Second, the disorder may be described as a structural feature, using the methods of X-ray scattering and electron diffraction analysis. The book begins by introducing the basic principles and methods for building structural models for the conformation of polymer crystal chains. Next, it covers: Packing of macromolecules in polymer crystals Methods for extracting structural parameters from diffraction data Defects and disorder in polymer crystals Analytical methods for diffuse scattering from disordered polymer structures Crystal habit Influence of crystal defects and structural disorder on the physical and mechanical properties of polymeric materials Crystals and Crystallinity in Polymers examines all the possible types of structural disorder generally present in polymer crystals and describes the influence of each kind of disorder on X-ray and electron diffraction patterns. Its comprehensive, expert coverage makes it possible for readers to learn and apply the fundamentals of polymer crystallography to solve a broad range of problems.







Synthetic Polymeric Membranes


Book Description

Researchers in polymeric membranes as well as R&D professionals will find this work an essential addition to the literature. It concentrates on the method recently developed to study the surfaces of synthetic polymeric membranes using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), which is fast becoming a very important tool. Each chapter includes information on basic principles, commercial applications, an overview of current research and guidelines for future research.