If you are in a field that works with material that is crystalline in nature, it’s likely that you will be required to identify the exact composition of the material you are studying or sampling. This testing requirement can be found across many different industry segments, ranging from geology, life sciences, to metallurgy and materials science. You will also see these studies done in industries like mining, pharmaceuticals, the environmental sciences and engineering too.
When you work with a materials analysis laboratory, they will be able to perform detailed analyses using sophisticated testing methods. These tests produce results that are cross-referenced to comprehensive databases that precisely identify the different substances present, along with their unique material signature. Using this comparison, a skilled scientist or laboratory technician can correctly identify the exact minerals that were part of the sample that was tested. The test results also identify key information about the crystalline material present, including its phases, orientation and specific structure. If the sample has multiple substances, the percentage of each mineral present will be noted.
Possible Applications of XRD Testing
When a laboratory is performing an analysis of materials, there are different tests that might be employed as part of the analysis. One of the most powerful technologies that can be used to perform detailed studies of material components of a crystalline nature is X-Ray Powder Diffraction, or XRD. This technology makes it possible to look at solids with multiple components present and determine both the makeup and acute phases of this crystalline material.
The XRD testing process can help measure the purity level of the sample under study, and can help specify what percentage of the tested material is amorphous versus crystalline in form. It’s an ideal technique if you want to determine the precise presence of materials in an unknown material sample. Testing requires minimum preparation, and is non-destructive.
Analysis of Coal Beds Using XRD
XRD testing has also proven to be valuable when geologists and scientists are looking to find important information related to coal beds. XRD can be used to identify the exact composition of key elements in the coal bed, and the percentage of each material identified during testing.
Scientists and geologists have also used this testing methodology to examine the variation of minerals that are found along vertical and lateral sections of the coal bed deposit. After they assemble the information from the XRD studies, they are able to paint a detailed picture of the coal bed’s original formation. They can also use correlation models to compare these specific beds to other profitable beds.
Protecting the Environment with XRD Testing
Environmental scientists have also used XRD to conduct detailed testing on areas that have been damaged by acid mine drainage. When regulatory agencies or other parties discover acid mine drainage, they have to understand exactly what fine-grained precipitates are present. They also have to identify secondary minerals.
Materials composed of iron sulfide, like those you find in pyrite, can become weathered and create acid in the mine. When the elements are further altered, they may go into solution or even combine to form other minerals. XRD can be used to do a thorough analysis and determine all minerals that are present, and their percentages.
