ORS2-0972
Elucidating the Microstructure and Dynamics of Polymer Gels via SAXS and SANS
Topic
S2. High-End Characterization/Polymer Physics/Properties
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
16:20 - 16:35
Room 103
Session Chairs
Hyungju AHN
Presenter(s)
Baohu Wu (Forschungszentrum Jülich, JCNS-MLZ)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) have proven effective for characterizing polymer gel structures. Compared to their applications in polymer solutions, crystalline morphologies, and block copolymers, SAXS/SANS techniques are particularly suitable for polymer gels due to three key advantages: (1) capacity to analyze hierarchical structures across multiple length scales, (2) compatibility with various environmental controls (temperature, pressure, humidity, magnetic fields), and (3) non-destructive measurement capability allowing combined experimental approaches. This report focuses on SAXS/SANS methodologies for studying structural and structure changes in polymer gels. Experimental examples demonstrate the detection of structural responses to environmental stimuli, including temperature variations, humidity changes, mechanical stretching, shear deformation, etc [1-6]. The discussion covers practical implementation of specialized sample environments required for these measurements. Key observations include: 1) Characteristic scattering patterns correlate with crosslinking density variations, 2) Structural transitions during gelation processes are detectable through scattering intensity changes, 3) Structural evolution caused by phase-phase separation, and 4) Mechanical deformation induces measurable anisotropy in scattering profiles. These results confirm SAXS/SANS as a versatile toolkit for polymer gel characterization.
References
[1] M Helminger, B Wu, T Kollmann, et al. Adv. Funct. Mater 24 (21), 3187-3196(2014).
[2] B Wu, M Siglreitmeier, C Debus, et al. Macromol. Biosci 18 (6), 1800018(2018).
[3] H Wan, B Wu, L Hou, P Wu, Adv Mater 36(2):e2307290 (2024).
[4] J Xu, B Wu, L Hou, P Wu, Small 20 (36), 2401164 (2024).
[5] X Li, B Wu, S Sun, P Wu, Advanced Materials 36 (48), 2411273(2024).
[6] H Ye, B Wu, S Sun, P Wu, Nature Communications 15 (1), 885(2024).
References
[1] M Helminger, B Wu, T Kollmann, et al. Adv. Funct. Mater 24 (21), 3187-3196(2014).
[2] B Wu, M Siglreitmeier, C Debus, et al. Macromol. Biosci 18 (6), 1800018(2018).
[3] H Wan, B Wu, L Hou, P Wu, Adv Mater 36(2):e2307290 (2024).
[4] J Xu, B Wu, L Hou, P Wu, Small 20 (36), 2401164 (2024).
[5] X Li, B Wu, S Sun, P Wu, Advanced Materials 36 (48), 2411273(2024).
[6] H Ye, B Wu, S Sun, P Wu, Nature Communications 15 (1), 885(2024).
