Neutron Scattering from Polymers: Five Decades of Developing Possibilities.
The first three decades of my research career closely map the development of neutron scattering techniques for the study of molecular behavior. At the same time, the theoretical understanding of organization and motion of polymer molecules, especially in the bulk state, was developing rapidly and providing many predictions crying out for experimental verification. Neutron scattering is an ideal technique for providing the necessary evidence. This autobiographical essay describes the applications by my research group and other collaborators of increasingly sophisticated neutron scattering techniques to observe and understand molecular behavior in polymeric materials. It has been a stimulating and rewarding journey.
Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
J S
JS
Higgins
D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008970:Molecular Weight; D033363:Neutron Diffraction; D044367:Phase Transition; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle
D011108:Polymers
Autobiography; neutron scattering; polymer blends; polymer interfaces; polymer molecular dynamics; spinodal decomposition