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New treatment of the theory for small-angle x-ray scattering with applications to polystyrene crazes

Journal Article · · J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed.; (United States)

The phenomenon of surface scattering of electromagnetic waves by single or multiple layers of films is reviewed and a special treatment for the total reflection of x rays is developed. This theory is applied to the analysis of the surface scattering observed in small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of two-phase matter in polymers having lamella stacks or a flat interfacial boundary structure. Important features of this vector theory are the ability to calculate the surface scattering invariant, the absolute scattering intensity, and the surface roughness, which gives rise to dispersion of specular reflection from perfectly smooth surfaces. By considering the interfacial surface roughness of polystyrene crazes, the surface scattering spectrum is calculated theoretically and compared with some experimental results. Also the theory is presented in a way as to compare surface scattering with volume scattering. This provides a new basis for quantitative analysis of crazes in polystyrene. 42 references, 20 figures, 1 table.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville
OSTI ID:
5727423
Journal Information:
J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 22; ISSN JPLPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English