Description of the method
X-ray powder diffraction is used to identify crystalline phases, determine structure and analyse material properties. It is based on the diffraction of X-rays by the regularly arranged atoms in crystal lattices. To do this, the samples must be ground into a fine, homogeneous powder.
Examples of applications
- Phase identification and quantitative phase analysis
- Analysis of phase changes under specific conditions such as temperature, humidity and applied pressure (non-ambient investigations)
- Analysis of physical properties such as crystallite size, crystallite orientation and residual stress (‘microstructure’ of polycrystalline materials).
- Quality control in the cement, ceramics and steel industries
- Characterisation of new inorganic materials
- Monitoring of hydration processes
- Analysis of mineral compositions
Contact
Associate Professor Dr Gunther Heymann
Department of General and Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry
Innrain 80–82, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 57003
Email Website
- Measurements at room temperature and at temperatures up to 1100 °C
Associate Professor Dr Thomas Lörting
Department of Physical Chemistry
Innrain 52c, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 58019
Email Website
- Low-temperature XRPD
Professor Volker Kahlenberg
Institute of Mineralogy and Petrography
Innrain 52, 6020 Innsbruck
+43 (512) 507 54603
Email Website
- Measurements also using mixtures of various inert/reactive gases such as He,CO₂,H₂, CO.
- Qualitative and quantitative phase analysis of crystalline and amorphous phases
- Extensive experience with a wide variety of industrial samples from the ceramics, binders, building materials, glass and waste materials sectors, such as slag and ores.
- Analytical services for industrial partners in Austria and other European countries.