RMS Foundation
Bischmattstrasse 12
2544 Bettlach
Switzerland
Phone +41 32 644 2000
METHODS
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
XRD analyses are used to identify and quantify crystalline phases (e.g. minerals, ceramics, metals). As the diffraction signal is dependent on the arrangement of the atoms in the crystal structure, XRD can also be used to distinguish phases with identical chemical composition but different crystal structures (so-called polymorphs).
According to which standards do we test?
Whenever possible, we carry out our testing services in accordance with or based on these international standards:
- ISO 13175-3
- ISO 13356
- ISO 13779-3
- ASTM F 1088
- ASTM F 1185
- ASTM F 1581
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For which material tests do we use this method?
We use our XRD for the following analyses, among others:
- Identification of crystalline phases
- Determination of amorphous parts
- Determination of cell parameters and crystallite sizes with Rietveld refinement
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- Determination of the phase composition (qualitative and quantitative) of crystalline samples
- Testing for phase purity and conformity with material and product specifications of bioceramics
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What experimental options are available?
In addition to the standard analysis, there are various other options:
- Standard measurements of powder samples with CuKα radiation in θ-θ configuration from 2 - 135° 2θ.
- Measurement on surfaces and cross-sections, e.g. to determine the monoclinic content in ZrO2, the retained austenite content in steel or the composition of calcium phosphate coatings.
- Measurement of very small quantities of powder samples (< 100 mg) in glass capillaries.
- Fe fluorescence radiation is effectively blocked by an energy-dispersive detector.
- High throughput thanks to 40-fold sample changer.
- Contact us for further possibilities.
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What you should know about this method?
Which products can be tested using XRD?
We test all products based on crystalline materials from various industries. Samples with at least one crystalline phase are suitable.
Contact us and we will discuss your individual problem.
What do I need to bear in mind with the samples?
At least 1.0 g of material is required. It must be possible to process the sample into a powder. For samples that cannot be pulverized, please contact us in advance to clarify the possibility of a measurement.
The detection limit is usually approx. 0.5 - 1.0 wt‑%, but depends strongly on the complexity of the diffraction signal.
Are the analyses accredited?
RMS is an ISO 17025 accredited analytical laboratory (accreditation type C). Many of the XRD analyses are already validated and accredited for specific standards and materials. New or customer-specific analysis methods can be validated by us.
Who is your contact person?
Nicola Döbelin
Dr. phil-nat., dipl. phil-nat. Mineralogist
Team Leader Bioceramics, Research Administrator
+41 32 644 2041
Dr. phil-nat., dipl. phil-nat. Mineralogist
Team Leader Bioceramics, Research Administrator
+41 32 644 2041