The polymers division at NIST
utilizes neutron reflection (NR) for probing a wide range of surface
and interfacial problems in polymer science. Some recent areas include
surface segregation and phase separation in polymer blend films, compatibilization
effects of copolymers, interdiffusion kinetics in polymer bilayers,
diffusion through membranes, glass transition shifts and thermal expansion
measurements of polymer thin films. Such studies result from internal
projects of the Polymers Division as well as through external collaborative
work with industries and universities, coordinated through the Polymers
Division. These studies are conducted in direct collaboration with
instrument scientists at the Center for Neutron Research (CNR). Information
on instrumental description of the two neutron reflectometers may
be obtained at the CNR
web-site.