X-ray Diffraction of Earth and Synthetic (inorganic, organic) Materials

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X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a method to determine mineralogical, textural, and structural attributes of earth and synthetic (inorganic, organic) materials. At Carleton University, a modern XRD research platform is required to accommodate a diverse range of research initiatives in the departments of Earth Sciences, Chemistry, and the departments of Electrical, and Mechanical and Aerospace, Engineering. An Empyrean diffraction system, produced by PANalytical (with offices in Montreal), will be housed in the Department of Earth Sciences, and replace 30-year-old equipment that is no longer reliable nor satisfies the range of research needs. There are three types of analytical experiments. (1) Compositional analysis and quantification will provide information about crystal/molecular structures and mineral/compound abundances. This type of analysis is applicable to synthetic and natural occurring materials. (2) Real-time thermal (<1200 degrees C) analysis will show changing composition and crystal/compound structure with heat. This will be used to replicate artificial thermal and geothermal conditions that influence natural and synthetic material stability, and is relevant to geological systems, reaction of organic material, and industrial/aerospace metals. (3) Analysis of thin films of synthetic material will be conducted to evaluate compositional and microstructural integrity. This is relevant in a diverse set of fields: aerospace industry; gas turbines and reactors; electronic, photovoltaic and ionic devices; and, polymer compounds in thermal optic devices. The modular configuration of the research equipment creates an excellent training environment for research students with regard to experimental design, operation, and analysis. The XRD equipment will create a new research environment and community of scientists undertaking diverse research applications, promoting Canada's knowledge and application base in the following areas: our geological and environmental landscapes; improving on materials relevant to the Canadian aerospace, energy and industrial markets; and, defining the chemistry and engineering of synthetic surfaces that may lead to new technological applications and design.