SMP Seminar: Dr Steve Huband (Warwick), X-ray Diffraction Research Technology Platform

Dr Steve Huband

X-ray Diffraction Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick.

Abstract: Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a useful technique for studying the size, shape and morphology of nanomaterials across a wide range of research areas. This includes particles/voids and nanoscale structural features. Dr Huband joined the University of Warwick X-ray diffraction facility in 2017 at the same time their Xenocs Xeuss 2.0 instrument was installed. SAXS was a new technique for the facility and in this seminar Dr Huband will give an overview of how Warwick's usage of the instrument has developed and how they now support internal and external users. This will include presenting some examples of in-situ work (variable temperature and tensile) that made on polymer samples and some of the more unusual materials that have been looked at. An example of this is the team's work with atherosclerotic plaques related to cardiovascular disease. 1 The combination of SAXS and X-ray diffraction measurements helped to characterise plaques by identifying lipid structures and crystalline materials (hydroxyapatite). These results were then compared with health markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels to help understand the differences between stable and unstable plaques.

1 Rebecca R. Mackley, Steven Huband, and Tara L. Schiller, ACS Omega 2023 8 (15), 13833-13839