Combined multiaxial deformation of polymers with in situ small angle and wide angle x-ray scattering techniques

A unique multiaxial deformation device has been designed and built specifically for simultaneous synchrotron small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) measurements. The device can operate at strain rates of 0.0005-0.3 s(-1) and induce strains up to stretch ratios of 5. Measurements can either be made at ambient or at elevated temperatures (up to approximately 150 degrees C), the latter using a heating unit. The capabilities of the device coupled with simultaneous SAXS/WAXS measurements have been demonstrated by studying the morphological evolution of a number of polymers and their nanocomposites.