Open AccessMicrofluidics of soft matter investigated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering
Author(s) -
Otten Alexander,
Köster Sarah,
Struth Bernd,
Snigirev Anatoly,
Pfohl Thomas
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of synchrotron radiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 99
ISSN - 1600-5775
DOI - 10.1107/s0909049505013580
Subject(s) - microfluidics , soft matter , small angle x ray scattering , intercalation (chemistry) , nanostructure , materials science , characterization (materials science) , liquid crystal , nanotechnology , scattering , membrane , chemical physics , soft materials , optics , optoelectronics , chemistry , colloid , physics , organic chemistry , biochemistry
The combination of X‐ray microdiffraction and microfluidics is used to investigate the dynamic behaviour of soft materials. A microfocused X‐ray beam enables the observation of the influence of droplet formation on the nanostructure of a smectic liquid crystal in water. Using a hydrodynamic focusing device, the evolution of the intercalation of DNA into multilamellar membranes can be studied. Owing to the elongational flow at the centre of this device, alignment of the material is induced which allows for an improved structural characterization. Furthermore, the influence of strain applied to these materials can be tested.