Flow-SANS and Rheo-SANS applied to soft matter

We review the current literature pertaining to the characterization of soft matter subject to flow utilizing small-angle neutron scattering, flow-SANS, with an emphasis on the simultaneous measurement of the rheology, Rheo-SANS. Experimental results are discussed in terms of the flow induced structure and direct connection to the bulk rheology in which we highlight the use of the contrast match method as a unique advantage to neutron scattering techniques. Finally, we discuss specific areas in each field that could benefit from focused flow-SANS experiments, and the projected evolution of specialized flow-SANS sample environments. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.