A new Guinier–Porod model

Abstract

Small-angle scattering (SAS) curves are characterized by two main features: the Guinier region and the Porod region. Standard linear plots are available to fit SAS data and obtain a radius of gyration and a Porod exponent. A new Guinier–Porod empirical model is introduced to fit SAS data from spherical as well as nonspherical objects such as rods or platelets. It also applies to shapes intermediate between spheres and rods or between rods and platelets. The new model is used to fit SAS data from a Pluronic solution that sequentially forms unimers, then spherical micelles, then cylindrical micelles, then lamellar micelles upon heating. This single model can fit structures associated with all four phases as well as the intermediate structures.