What Is XRD?

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What Is XRD?
If you are a mineralogist or a chemist, you might be very familiar of the process called XRD. XRD stands for X- Ray diffraction. It is a process often used in these fields. It is actually a technique of examining the chemical make- up of unidentified solids. Let us say for instance, they found something that cannot be classified right away; the XRD process will then be used to check the make- up of the said item.

For XRD to work there must be a sample of the materials first. The powdered sample will then be placed in a holder. It will be illuminated with x-rays of a given wave- length. The intensity of the reflected radiation will then be recorded with the use of a goniometer. From there, the data collected will be analyzed using different computing methods. The intensity will be measure using various D spacing. The result will also be analyzed to find immediately the matches of the item that was given the XRD for analysis. You also have to realize that the greater the tolerance, the more results will be recorded.

Two ways can be applied in the use of XRD. These are the elastic scattering and the inelastic scattering. The method to be used is dependent on the kind of mineral to be analyzed. On some cases in which one is preferred over the other. However, there are also instances in which it is just safer to make use of the two methods, and of course, analyze in two different ways.

The use of XRD has already been a successful technique these days. The results are even more trusted due to its accuracy and its ease of use. Thus, for mineralogists and solid-state chemists, this will be a lifelong partner that they have to deal with.

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