Through a collaboration between MAX IV, Chalmers University of Technology, and Luleå University of Technology, we provide advanced rheological and tribological testing combined with small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering (SWAXS) at the CoSAXS and ForMAX beamlines. The aim of the collaboration is to both (i) grow the user community by outreach and (ii) develop novel, advanced in-situ testing capability 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, MAX IV can currently only offer this capability to general users together with the academic collaborators.
Advanced rheology: 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.
Advanced tribology: Most materials in contact are subject to friction, wear, and lubrication — the core concerns in the science of tribology. While macroscopic tribological behaviour can be measured by a tribometer, interpretations are often limited to post-mortem characterisation of the used lubricant and surfaces in contact. Within this collaboration, the objective is to develop simultaneous tribology and SWAXS capability.
