WAXD and SAXS Structural Characterisation
topic
Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) provides crystallinity (from peak integration vs. amorphous halo), crystal size (Scherrer equation: D = Kλ/βcosθ), and crystalline orientation (Herman's factor from azimuthal scan of specific reflection). Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) provides long period, lamellar thickness, and electron density contrast. Synchrotron SAXS/WAXD during hot drawing gives real-time structural evolution.
Role
WAXD and SAXS are the definitive techniques for polyester fibre structure characterisation. Their application and interpretation are core competencies in fibre science research and advanced industrial process development.