There are basically two reasons which make
X-ray diffraction (XRD) an indispensable form of analysis. One is that it is
possible to obtain the sub-microscopic structure of any sort of material
through this method and the second is the ease with which the information can
be accurately obtained. The fine structure studies made possible by XRD, has
become a valuable form of analysis. It is being increasingly used in a number
of applications including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics, metallurgy,
nanotechnology, geology, etc.
X-ray diffraction analysis is a powerful
scientific method that can be used to maintain the quality of products
throughout the manufacturing process.
XRD analysis helps determine the undisputed characterisation of each chemical
compound. Since it is possible to carry
out analysis of a mixture, solid or a complex compound formation, XRD analysis
is particularly useful in the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs. XRD
testing is also used to determine the crystallinity ornon-crystallinity of
a material, either in the solid state or in solution, as also the crystal size
in microscopic as well as sub-microscopic ranges.
Other reasons why XRD has become an
indispensable analysis method is because it is a rapid technique that is at the
same time accurate. It provides unambiguous results from even a very small
sample. It is also easy to interpret data in a short time because each chemical
compound has a unique and different diffraction pattern. A mixture of compounds
provides patterns of individual compounds and that is easy to compare to a
database of patterns. There are a number of laboratories that have X-ray diffraction
instrumentation but scientists need to be experienced to be able to accurately
analyse the diffraction peaks.
One other area that is extremely helpful in
pharmaceutical formulations is that XRD analysis helps to
discover unexpected chemical reactions. It also enables detection of impurities
and effect of these on compounds. XRD testing is also carried out to identify
synthetic or natural substances or to ensure that the right materials are used
in formulations. This is particularly useful in the cosmetic industry as
through XRD you can estimate the extent of purity in soaps, lotions, shampoos,
etc.
XRD analysis is useful at it brings understanding
of the influence of different temperatures and atmosphere has on materials.
These aspects help in quality control in food, pharmaceutical and other
industries. An XRD lab analyses samples in a controlled environment so that
materials do not have unwanted chemical reactions during the processes and this
is particularly important in metallurgy.
X-Ray diffraction instrumentation
accommodates the analysis of a number of XRD applications that determine
structure, stress and texture measurement as well as phase analysis.Since X-Ray
diffraction analysis is non-destructive it has become indispensable in analysing
a huge range of materials like metals, ceramics, plastics, minerals, solar
cells, conductors, etc. Any industry using these materials will find that XRD
analysis is indispensable in quality control of processes as well as
materials.
