English Abstract

Neutron Scattering of Soft Materials

Mitsuhiro SHIBAYAMA
Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2011),84(1),14-20 General Review in Japanese

It has already passed about 40 years since small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique was applied in structural analyses. SANS is now one of common tools in structure investigations of soft materials. In this article, we briefly describe the basis of neutron scattering, SANS instruments, and theories of SANS. Particularly, we focus on cross-link inhomogeneities and propose two methods. One is the visualization-by-swelling method and the other the contrast variation method. Then, we show several topics in structure investigations of elastomers, such as, natural rubbers and isoprene rubbers cross-linked by sulfur and peroxides.

Keywords: small-angle neutron scattering, elastomer, soft material, inhomogeneities, visualization-by-swelling, contrast variation