A novel model for the interpretation of small-angle scattering experiments of self-affine structures

A novel theory is presented which allows, for the first time, the analytical description of small-angle scattering experiments on anisotropic shaped clusters of nanoparticles. Experimentally, silica-filled rubber which is deformed is used as an example. The silica can be modelled by solid spheres which form clusters. The experiments demonstrate that the clusters become anisotropic as a result of the deformation whereas the spheres are not affected. A comparison of the newly derived model function and the experiments provides, for the first time, microscopic evidence of the inhomogeneous deformation of clusters in the rubbery matrix.