X-ray Small-Angle Scattering/Wide-Angle Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) Analytical Service

Overview

Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) refers to the scattering phenomenon that occurs when X-rays pass through a sample at small angles, typically in the 2°–5° range near the incident X-ray beam. The physical basis of SAXS lies in the difference in electron cloud density between the scattering object and the surrounding medium. The scattering intensity is influenced by factors such as particle size, shape, dispersion, orientation, and electron density distribution. Any material with electron density inhomogeneities on the nanoscale will exhibit small-angle scattering, while a perfectly homogeneous material will have zero scattering intensity. SAXS can be used to study information about the morphology, size, and distribution of scatterers, specific surface area, radius of gyration, fractal dimension, average wall thickness, and more.

Sample Requirement

• For powdered samples, it is best to provide more than 10 mg with no noticeable granularity.

• For liquid samples, provide a volume of at least 2 mL, without sediment, and a background sample is also required.

• Standard film samples: 10×5 mm in size, with a thickness as close to 1 mm as possible; for metallic bulk samples, thinner is preferable, typically below 80 µm in thickness.

• Fiber samples should be neatly combed and kept as straight as possible.

• For hydrogel samples, if they can hold shape, the size should be 1×1 cm with a thickness of 1 mm; if not, provide 2 mL.

• Samples for GI-SAXS or GI-WAXS are generally prepared on silicon wafers (better reflective effect than FTO glass), with a thickness around 200 nm, as thicknesses over 1 µm may affect signal quality. Sample size should be 1×1 cm (please specify if it exceeds this).

• For tensile samples, a dumbbell-shaped specimen is recommended: narrow section width 4 mm, length 18 mm; total length 30 mm, with both ends having widths of 6 mm, and thickness <1 mm (thicker specimens cannot be stretched). Provide 3-5 parallel backup specimens (for flexible materials, long strip shapes are acceptable, with dimensions of 30×8 mm and thickness <1 mm; provide 5-8 parallel backup specimens).

* Note: Data analysis service is not included in the list prices.

Highlights: High Quality Data, Competitive Pricing, Technical Support by Scientists.

Analytical Service Minimum order requirement: $250 per order. A $200 handling fee will be applied if order is below $250.

Please contact sales@msesupplies.com for additional information and instructions on our Analytical Services program. Confirmation of the sample(s) requirements, SDS sheets and additional information is needed prior to processing the Analytical Service order. 

***Please do not ship any samples without authorization from MSE Supplies***