What is the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique for powders testing?
X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis is an analytical method that consists in studying the different phases of a crystalline material. Thus, it is possible to identify the crystallized compounds as well as the crystallographic forms of the material.
Indeed, the principle is as follows: the X-ray tube produces beams of X-rays which are sent on the sample and in which they are deflected by the atoms. These beams, once diffracted, interfere with each other which produces an intense signal in certain specific areas of space. It is this signal that is picked up by the XRD detector and forms a pattern with very specific peaks. These are the diffraction peaks. Their position is a unique signature of the arrangement of atoms within a crystal. Thus, thanks to the analysis of our FILAB team, we are able to distinguish products with the same chemical composition but with different atomic arrangements.
This technique can be used to answer different problems, including the characterization of the crystal phase of a material. Its applications are multiple, especially in the pharmaceutical field.
FILAB services by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) of powders:
Combined with basic chemical analysis techniques such as ICP, IC, elemental analyzer, or thermal techniques such as ATG or DSC, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is an indispensable complementary tool for the characterization of your powders with a crystallized fraction.
Here are some examples of powder analysis performed by FILAB using the XRD technique:
- Purity control of ceramic powders
- Characterization of bone substitutes (hydroxyapatite HAP powder according to NF ISO 13779-3 standard)
- Determination of crystal impurities in a cement powder
- Qualification of foundry slags
- Detection of residual austenite in a metal powder
With more than 30 years of experience in the development of specific X-ray analysis methods, FILAB laboratory can assist you in your X-ray analysis and control needs. Our know-how is also at your disposal for the development of processes for your crystallized materials.
