Structure Analyses of Poly(styrene-ran -butadiene) Rubber Crosslinked by Sulfur with Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

Summary The inhomogeneous structure of poly(styrene-ran-butadiene) (SBR) rubber crosslinked by sulfur has been investigated with the combination of Focusing small angle neutron scattering (Focusing SANS) and conventional small angle scattering (SANS) methods. A new inhomogeneous structure is found at smaller q-region in the SBR rubber in swollen state with Focusing SANS method, in addition to crosslinked network mesh and crosslinking inhomogeneity, which have already been found in chemical gels by several authors. The new inhomogeneous structure may be originated from the inhomogeneity of Sulfur or ZnO.