Characterization of two-dimensional ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering apparatus for application to rubber filled with spherical silica under elongation

Two-dimensional ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (2D-USAXS) apparatus at SPring-8 has been characterized. 2D-USAXS is a promising tool to study the structural change of the hierachical aggregate structure of fillers such as carbon black and silica particles in rubber. The aggregate structure of fillers is key to understanding the reinforcement effects which fillers show in rubber. We have applied 2D-USAXS to rubber filled with spherical silica particles and proved it to be a powerful technique.