Instrument Description
The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analyzes qualitative and quantitative phases of organic and inorganic compounds and materials, such as:
Ores, minerals, ceramics, cement, construction materials, and soils
Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, plastics, foils, and sheets
Corrosion products, environmental contaminants, and hazardous materials
Metals, alloys, castings, welds, and welded components
Thin films and coatings for the semiconductor industry
Applications
The XRD can determine:
Grain alignment (texture) in polycrystalline materials
Exact orientation in mono-crystalline materials
Residual stresses
Microstructural properties (i.e., crystallite size, size distribution, microdeformations)
Ratio of amorphous and crystalline fractions
Precise lattice parameters
Specifications
Typical sample masses are less than 10g. The XRD instrument also has a high-temperature (1,200°C) chamber that allows the high-temperature analysis of materials under air, vacuum, or inert atmospheres.