Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of particle-size distributions of mesoscopic metallic systems with consideration of the particle form factor

The size distribution of mesoscopic metallic systems is determined by small-angle X-ray scattering using the indirect transformation method. It was found that a system of indium particles in an oil matrix can be best fitted if the particles are assumed to be homogeneous spheres. This assumption does not hold for a system of nickel in SiO₂: to get a good approximation to the measured data, the form factor has to be refined. By comparison of the obtained particle-size distributions with theoretical models for different growth processes, it is possible to distinguish between Ostwald ripening and coalescence growth of the particles during the preparation.