Volume 38(2) - Summer 2022

X-ray diffraction (XRD) has traditionally been utilized mainly in the R&D field. Recently, however, opportunities to use XRD in the QA/QC field are increasing since the XRD technique has become easier to use with the popularization of desktop X-ray diffractometers and high-speed 1D semiconductor strip detectors (1D SSD). Rigaku has marked another step in this trend by announcing the MiniFlex XpC, a compact X-ray diffractometer optimized for QA/QC, utilizing the X-ray technologies cultivated in the company’s 70-year history.

There are three requirements for the manufacturing environment: 1. shorter measurement time, 2. better operability, and 3. higher durability. The MiniFlex XpC meets these requirements thanks to its downsized X-ray generator (XG), high-speed 1D SSD D/teX Ultra 250 detector, a new sample loading function, software optimized for QA/QC, connectivity with a third-party automation system, a high-precision theta-theta goniometer, and so forth.

Three-dimensional real-space modeling for hierarchical materials by matching experimental and simulated small-angle X-ray scattering patterns is proposed. The positional arrangements of small primary particles in the cell are estimated by the reverse Monte Carlo modeling and the simulated SAXS patterns are derived from these models. This modeling has been applied to the structural estimation of a silica aerogel sample. The pore size distribution derived from the obtained structure model is compared to the results of the transmission electron microscopy and gas adsorption measurement.

X-ray diffractometry is widely used for quality control and process control in cement. This article presents an accurate and precise quantification method for free lime in a clinker material and an accurate quantification method of the admixtures in a blended cement. The partial accumulation measurement was used to make a calibration curve including a scale factor to improve the accuracy and precision of the quantitative method. Analytical result of free lime showed good agreement with its preparation value and had a small standard deviation. The reference intensity ratio method combined with the WPPF method was applied to admixture quantification in a blended cement for accurate quantification. The quantitative values of the admixtures in the simulation sample with a three-component system showed good agreement with the preparation values.