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Small angle X-ray scattering of nanomaterials

Figure 1 shows a Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) profile of a (C3H6)n - α -polypropylene based nanomaterial collected on the Ultima IV. This class of nanomaterials has various applications, including utilization in high strength fibers for lightweight composites and as flame-retardant materials.

Small angle X-ray scattering of nanomaterials1
Figure 1

The observed profile can be reconstructed as a convolution of the scattering profile from a nanostructural model and the instrument function of the X-ray system (blue curve in Figure 2).

Small angle X-ray scattering of nanomaterials2
Figure 2

TA non-linear least square fit onto the raw data of the calculated profile from the structural model using Rigaku's NANO-Solver software provides information about the size distribution and shape of the particles/pores, as summarized below.

Small angle X-ray scattering of nanomaterials3
Figure 3