Electron microscopy and SAXS studies of amorphous polymers

Abstract

Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and high resolution electron microscopy have been used to characterize the structure of glassy polymers. The SAXS from polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl chloride) and polystyrene is inconsistent, both in the form and magnitude of the scattered intensity, with the presence of nodules as representative of the bulk structure. The electron microscope results provide no evidence for heterogeneities on a scale and volume fraction of the reported nodules. Only the pepper and salt features characteristic of microscope operation near the resolution limit are seen. It is suggested that the structures of these amorphous thermoplastics be regarded as random arrays.