Analysis and characterization of materials by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) in the laboratory
What is X-ray Diffraction?
X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is an analytical technique that allows the study of the different phases of crystalline materials.
If the elemental analysis allows to identify and quantify the chemical elements constituting a material, the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) allows to access to many information contained in the arrangement of the elements within a material. Qualitative analysis by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) allows to identify the crystallized compounds present in a material as well as their crystallographic forms.
Quantitative analysis by refinement according to the Rietveld method or by specific calibration makes it possible to determine the contents of these compounds in the state of traces as in the state of major compounds. The applications of this technique are multiple, in particular in the fields of metallurgy, geochemistry, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, medical, …
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XRD analysis on materials
XRD diffraction is a physico-chemical analysis method. This analysis applies exclusively to crystallized matter, such as minerals, metals, ceramics, and composites.
Furthermore, X-ray diffractometry makes it possible to distinguish products with the same basic chemical composition but different crystallization forms, particularly in materials such as silicas, steels, and alloys.
XRD analysis on powders for the pharmaceutical industry
In the pharmaceutical sector, powder XRD analysis is used to determine the crystalline structure of medicines. We use this technique to identify the individual components of complex drugs and to verify the purity and quality of raw materials.
XRD analysis of minerals and natural solids
XRD analysis is a cutting-edge analytical technique widely used for the identification and characterization of mineralogical phases present in natural solid samples such as rocks, soils, sediments, and dust.
This technique provides precise and non-destructive analysis of solid samples, allowing the determination of mineralogical composition, crystalline structure, and physical properties, which helps in understanding the origin, evolution, and environmental impact of a material.
XRD analysis for metals
XRD analysis is a method used to determine the crystalline structure of metals. The crystalline structure of metals affects their properties, including strength, ductility, thermal and electrical conductivity, malleability, and toughness.
This analysis is often used to determine residual stresses in welds, coatings, and forged parts to prevent premature failures. XRD analysis is also widely used in the microelectronics and construction industries.
Why choose FILAB
With more than 30 years of experience in the development of specific X-ray analysis methods, the FILAB laboratory can assist you with your X-ray analysis and control needs, expertise or process development for your crystallized materials and minerals.
Here are some examples of analysis using XRD:
- Purity control of ceramic materials
- Characterization of bone substitutes (hydroxyapatite HAP powder according to NF ISO 13779-3 standard)
- Determination of crystal impurities in a cementitious material
- Qualification of foundry slags
- Identification of residual austenite in a metal alloy
- …
Associated with elementary chemical analysis techniques (ICP, CI, elementary analyzers) and / or thermal analysis (ATG, DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is an essential complementary tool for the characterization of your products with a crystallized fraction.
FAQ
To carry out an XRD analysis, the laboratory uses a diffractometer. The results of XRD are displayed on a diffraction pattern, also known as a diffractogram.
The diffraction models obtained—resulting from X-ray radiation—allow the crystalline structure, and thus the structure of the materials, to be determined.
While elemental analysis identifies and quantifies the chemical elements that make up a material, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD analysis) provides access to a wide range of information contained in the arrangement of these elements within the material.
XRD therefore makes it possible to identify the crystallized compound(s) present in a material as well as their crystallographic forms.
In X-ray diffraction analysis, two key concepts are commonly used to interpret data: Miller indices and Bragg’s law. Although both are related to the crystalline structure, they serve different purposes.
Miller indices describe the orientation and relative position of crystal planes in space, while Bragg’s law explains how X-rays interact with these planes to produce the characteristic diffraction pattern.
