Most materials are viscoelastic, i.e., they exhibit both viscous and elastic properties upon deformation. This also holds true for most materials studied at the CoSAXS and ForMAX beamlines. While the mechanical response can be measured by a rheometer, a mechanistic understanding often requires simultaneous characterization of the underlying microstructure by means of x-ray scattering or other structural probes.
Through a cooperation initiated by the Chalmers-MAX IV collaboration and a ForMAX preproject, we provide advanced rheological testing combined with small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering (SWAXS) at the CoSAXS and ForMAX beamlines. The aim of the collaboration is to grow the user community by outreach and development of novel, advanced in-situ rheological testing for MAX IV’s users. Due to the complex nature of these experiments, where we run several experimental modalities in parallel that each require specific expertise, we can only offer this capability to our users in collaboration with Rheology & Prosessing of Soft Matter, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
