The effect of moisture present in polymers on their X-ray diffraction patterns

The influence of imbibed water in cellulose, polypropylene, and polyester on their x-ray diffraction patterns has been studied. It was found that both hygroscopic and nonhygroscopic polymers behave similarly, in that the resolution of the peaks in their x-ray diffraction patterns increases. This is because the addition of water enhances the x-ray absorption coefficient of the polymers which are poor absorbers of x-rays in their dry state. It is concluded that there is no x-ray evidence at present which indicates that water has an influence on the cellulose lattice.