SAXS: nanotechnology
Shape-change polymer gels have been extensively studied as novel intelligent materials with sensor, processor and actuator functions. In these materials, the machine motion is a change in response to some external stimulus some oscillating state that can be repeatedly induced on demand. A variety of novel microscopic mechanical devices have been described in the scientific literature; for example, pH sensitive gels have been used to build valves for fluidic systems. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) provides a key experiment to probe the molecular origin and nature of shape change in nano materials. SAXS provides data needed to determine how such technologies might be refined and scaled into useful products.Rigaku offers a choice of SAXS solutions, from the dedicated 2D-SAXS capable S-Max3000 to the powerful and flexible Ultima IV and the exceptionally easy-to-use SmartLab®.