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Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a technique used to study the structure of materials containing nanometer-sized particles. It can be used with samples in liquid, semi-solid, or solid forms. 

SAXS provides detailed insights into how these particles are distributed, their size, shape, and surface characteristics. It can also track changes in the material’s microstructure over time, with precision ranging from less than a nanometer up to a micron, and even capturing events that happen in less than a second.

SAXS is a powerful technique for characterizing gels, emulsions, nanoparticle suspensions, or porous materials, regardless of their opacity to visible light.
The interpretation and quantitative analysis of SAXS scattering data rely on structural models that simulate the scattering signal and fit it to the experimental SAXS data. Additional analyses using other techniques or by varying conditions (such as temperature, concentration, etc.) may be necessary to resolve certain ambiguities.

Advantages of Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS)

  • Structural information across a wide range of nano-objects (nm → µm)
  • High sensitivity to structural changes
  • Qualitative and quantitative measurements
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Controlled environment
  • Monitoring over time and temperature
  • No sample preparation required

Techniques and Analytical Methods in Small-Angle Scattering

  • Structure of an emulsion
  • Stability and aging
  • Characterization of self-assembled nanometric objects
  • Phase diagram of multi-component systems

Novitom's Expertise in SAXS

  • Characterization of emulsions, lamellar organization, and hierarchical structures
  • Careful preparation of experimental conditions, tailored to each sample type
  • Development of custom analysis protocols, even for highly complex samples such as biological materials (including skin and hair)
  • Flexible analysis services, offered either individually or for large sample series, with controlled environments when needed
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Types of samples

  • Liquids and Semi-solids: Emulsions, nanoparticle suspensions
  • Semi-solids to Solids: Gels, creams, block copolymers, elastomers

Examples of analyses and tests using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)

Anti-aging skincare seen through collagen fibres organisation

Anti-aging skincare seen through collagen fibres organisation

Novitom has developed an original test based on the analysis of the quality of the organisation of collagen fibres. Collagen,…

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Technical Specifications

Laboratory or synchrotron equipment (Laboratory setups are more accessible, while synchrotron sources offer higher performance).

  • X-ray energy: Adjustable to match the nature of the materials being studied.
  • Spatial resolution: Options range from wide beams to microbeams.
  • Acquisition time: Typically around 10 milliseconds.
  • Sample size: From 200 µm to 10 cm.
  • Sample preparation: Liquid samples are typically prepared in capillaries.
  • Controlled environment: Measurements can be conducted under regulated conditions such as temperature, humidity, and mechanical stress.

Complémentarité avec d'autres techniques

Microscopie à force atomique (AFM)

Microscopie électronique à balayage basse tension (SEM-FEG)

Microtomographie rayons-X (µCT)

Fluorescence rayons-X en microfaisceaux (µXRF)

Spectroscopies infrarouge (FT-IR)

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