Some experimental aspects of small and wide angle x-ray scattering studies of transitions in polymers and liquid crystals

Abstract

Instrumentation for x-ray diffraction studies of phase behaviour of polymers and liquid crystals is reviewed. Sample environment cells and the choice of cameras and detectors are discussed. In addition, selected examples are briefly described, particularly of polymer investigations using the simultaneous diffraction/calorimetry (XDDSC) technique.

Key Words:

• Phase transitions
• polymers
• liquid crystals
• X-ray diffraction
• synchrotron radiation
• simultaneous techniques