Shear cell for the study of liquid-solid interfaces by neutron scattering

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Abstract
A cell for examining the density profile of sheared fluids at the solid‐liquid interface by neutron reflectometry is presented. This cell has also proven valuable in examining near‐surface bulk structures in the plane perpendicular to the shear flow using small angle neutron scattering. The shear rates can be controlled by changing the volume flow through the cell over three orders of magnitude. All components of the cell are designed to be chemically inert. A temperature‐controlled environment compatible with neutron studies is also briefly described. Preliminary neutron reflectivity and small angle neutron scattering results using this cell are presented, and potential applications are discussed.