Diffraction studies of disordered materials

A new method of collecting X-ray diffraction data which eliminates 90% of the Compton scattering component has been developed. The subsequent data analysis is described in detail with specific reference being made to the analysis of liquid carbon tetrachioride. X-ray diffraction measurements have been made on two samples of amorphous phosphorus. The obtained radial distribution functions have been analysed via the fitting of Gaussian curves and the results compared to the local correlations obtained by other studies and from the crystalline allotropes of phosphorus. The results show a marked difference in the degree of crystalline order present in the samples and the inability of current models to describe the observed structure. Neutron diffraction measurements have been made on liquid antimony pentafluoride at a variety of temperatures between 5 and 80°C. The obtained radial distribution functions have been described in terms of a cis-bridged molecular chain. Little alteration in the structure was observed in the temperature difference results. Neutron diffraction measurements have been made on carbon and germanium tetrabromide. The results were analysed using a molecular form-factor which yielded bond lengths in good agreement with those obtained by other investigators. The intermolecular distribution functions obtained for the two samples compare favourably with those obtained from a RISM analysis.