Small-angle x-ray scattering studies of heterogeneous systems using synchrotron radiation techniques

Abstract

The high intensity X-ray beams from synchrotron radiation facilities can be used to study the structural characteristics of heterogeneous systems. The present paper reports the use of this technique for SAXS measurements on a particulate system which shows aggregation properties (microemulsion), a concentrated particulate system showing repulsive ordering, a colloidal suspension (platinum) and two porous solids (a silica gel and an oil-bearing shaly rock). The advantages in the use of synchrotron radiation for general SAXS studies concerning research topics in chemical physics and materials science are discussed in relation to other methods. Further developments are also considered for applications to new areas of investigation and the complementary nature of SAXS and SANS measurements is established.