摘要：In this study, we present a combined small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS)
study of the nanoscale structure of cortical bone specimens from three diferent species. The
variation of the scattering cross section of elements across the periodic table is very diferent for
neutrons and X-rays. For X-rays, it is proportional to the electron density while for neutrons it varies
irregularly with the atomic number. Hence, combining the two techniques on the same specimens
allows for a more detailed interpretation of the scattering patterns as compared to a single-contrast
experiment. The current study was performed on bovine, porcine and ovine specimens, obtained in
two perpendicular directions with respect to the main axis of the bone (longitudinal and radial) in
order to maximise the understanding of the nanostructural organisation. The specimens were also
imaged with high resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), yielding tissue mineral density
and microstructural orientation as reference. We show that the SANS and SAXS patterns from the
same specimen are efectively identical, suggesting that these bone specimens can be approximated
as a two-component composite material. Hence, the observed small-angle scattering results mainly
from the mineral-collagen contrast, apart from minor features associated with the internal collagen
structure.
