Time-resolved detection of x-ray scattering for studies of relaxation phenomena

Abstract

An instrument for time-resolved detection of small-angle and wide-angle x-ray scattering is described. The apparatus consists of a 12-kW rotating-anode x-ray generator, a linear position-sensitive detector, a two-parameter multichannel analyzer to record the time-dependence of x-ray scattering patterns, a servo-controlled hydraulic sample deformation device, a temperature-controlled environmental chamber, a programmable function generator, a programmable timer and a microcomputer. The programmable function generator is used to control the mechanical or thermal stimulus on the sample under variable conditions and to synchronize the x-ray data acquisition with the stimulus. The environmental chamber allows temperature control of the sample between −100 and 300°C. Two experimental methods, involving transient and oscillatory experiments, for time-resolved studies with this apparatus are discussed. Experimental studies on kinetics of oriented crystallization of cross-linked polybutadiene and on lamellar deformation of tubular-extruded poly(1-butene) films are presented as typical applications of time-resolved x-ray scattering technique.