English Abstract

Structure Analyses of Cross-linked Rubber by Small-angle Neutron Scattering

Mikihito TAKENAKA
Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2014),87(7),299-302 General Review in Japanese

Non-uniformity in cross-linked rubber is one of important factors to control mechanical properties in rubber. This review presents an analysis of the non-uniformity by using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) method. In the method, the rubber is swollen by solvent and the non-uniformity as well as the network structure can be observed by SANS. The observation of smaller wavenumber region with Focusing SANS has clarified that another non-uniformity exists in the order of 100 nm in addition to non-uniformity found previously by Ikeda et al.

Keywords: Small-angle Neutron Scattering, Hierarchical Structure, Swollen Rubber, Contrast Variation SANS