X-ray diffraction curves for a system of parallel cylinders with liquid-like order: A model for the diffraction of crazed polymers

As a model for the internal structure of polymer crazes, a system of parallel cylinders with liquid-like order is proposed. X-ray diffraction curves were calculated for such a system with Monte Carlo data for the radial distribution function of the two-dimensional hard-disk fluid at different packing densities. A comparison is made between the present calculations and experimental results of crazed polycarbonate showing a very good agreement. A way of evaluating the average craze fibril diameter with the calculations is also discussed.