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Title: Recent advancements in neutron scattering techniques for quantifying the structure and dynamics of polymers
Neutron scattering techniques are powerful tools for characterizing the structure and dynamics of materials. They are particularly well-suited for studying polymer systems, which are typically rich in hydrogen. By combining neutron scattering with deuterium labeling, researchers can unravel complex structural features and dynamic behaviors within these systems. This review highlights recent advances in neutron scattering methods for probing the hierarchical structures and dynamics of polymeric materials, with a focus on developments over the past decade. We begin by discussing elastic techniques—such as small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)—used to examine polymer organization in both solution and solid states. Subsequently, we addressed the application of neutron reflectometry (NR) and grazing-incidence neutron scattering (GINS) techniques to the study of polymer thin-film structures. Next, we explore inelastic and quasi-elastic techniques, including inelastic neutron scattering (INS), quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS), and neutron spin echo (NSE), which provide insight into polymer dynamics across a broad range of time and length scales. Finally, we consider future directions for neutron scattering in soft matter research, emphasizing emerging methodologies and next-generation neutron sources that promise to further advance our understanding of these complex systems.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2229686
PAR ID:
10651738
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Elsevier
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Progress in Polymer Science
Volume:
171
Issue:
C
ISSN:
0079-6700
Page Range / eLocation ID:
102041
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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