Evidence for the recently described 2M2 polytype of brochantite from X-ray powder diffraction investigation of secondary alteration products of ore material from the Pierre Plate Mine, Vizille, Isère, France is presented. This report is the first to describe the 2M2 polytype from locations outside of Italy and through the use of powder XRD methods. In the procedure used herein, developed in a study by Merlino et al. [Eur. J. Mineral 15, 267–275 (2003)], we have used family reflections, common to both main types of brochantite, as the source of approximate cell parameters from which we obtain positions of characteristic reflections to demonstrate the unique choice of polytype, before final refinement stage. This method demonstrates that the determination of polytype is possible from powder data, for samples typical of both geological and urban environments. Least-squares refined cell parameters for the 2M2 polytype from Pierre Plate are a=12.7409(8) Å, b=9.8371(6) Å, c=6.0109(3) Å, and a=90.135(9)°, constrained in space group P21/n11.

MgB2 superconductors were synthesized at high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) using pure Mg and B as raw materials. The effects of the experimental conditions such as pressure and temperature on phase evolution were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and DC magnetization techniques. Results showed that high pressure and high temperature are two important factors for synthesizing the MgB2 phase. Stable MgB2 can be most effectively obtained in a pressure-temperature region from 3 to 6 GPa and between the melting points of Mg up to 1100 to 1300 °C. MgB2 starts to decompose into MgB4 at higher temperatures and pressures. The decomposition temperature of MgB2 increases with increasing pressure. The superconducting transition temperature Tc(bulk) was measured to be 38.0 to 38.8 K for MgB2 prepared at 900 to 1000 °C under 3 GPa. The larger grains and better crystalline perfection contribute to the higher Tc(bulk) and the narrower ΔT.

Structural development of BPDA-PPD polyimide thin film has been investigated by in situ grazing incidence X-ray diffraction at the BL24XU beamline of the SPring-8. Optimizing the sample shape, two-dimensional images were measured successfully without sacrificing angle resolution. It has been clearly shown that the crystallization first begins in the in-plane direction, at the curing temperature of 180 °C, in which the periodic structure of the molecular chain axis (c axis) is developed. The crystallization in the surface normal (out-of-plane) direction is observed later, at the curing temperature above 300 °C. A slight increase of the d spacing of the c axis during heating process has been observed, suggesting the stretching of the contracted molecular chain in accordance with the curing process. In the cooling process, the decrease of the d spacings for a and b axes was considerable, which indicates thermal expansion of the crystals at high temperatures. The increases in the peak intensities during the cooling process have been observed, which indicate the d spacing of each axis becomes close to the equilibrium value to produce higher periodicity.

The effects of chromium or nickel oxide additions on the composition of Portland clinker were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction associated with pattern analysis by the Rietveld method. The co-processing of industrial waste in Portland cement plants is an alternative solution to the problem of final disposal of hazardous waste. Industrial waste containing chromium or nickel is hazardous and is difficult to dispose of. It was observed that in concentrations up to 1% in mass, the chromium or nickel oxide additions do not cause significant alterations in Portland clinker composition.

Phase transformation temperatures of a polycrystalline Ni-rich Ti49.86Ni50.14 shape memory alloy were investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter. In situ structural and texture analyses of the monoclinic Ti49.86Ni50.14 were investigated using neutron powder diffractometer technique. Differential scanning calorimeter results showed that this Ni-rich alloy has a one-step cubic to monoclinic martensitic phase transformation on cooling and a one-step monoclinic to cubic transformation on heating. In situ high-resolution neutron powder diffraction data of the monoclinic phase from low temperatures to room temperature on heating are consistent with the differential scanning calorimeter’s heating results. In addition, the refined monoclinic crystal structure parameters for all neutron diffraction data sets agree satisfactorily with single-crystal X-ray diffraction results. The multiple-data-set capabilities of the GSAS Rietveld refinement program, with a generalized spherical-harmonics description was used successfully to extract the texture description directly from a simultaneous refinement using 52 time-of-flight monoclinic neutron diffraction patterns, taken from a polycrystalline sample held in 13 orientations inside the diffractometer.

Four new derivatives of N-aryl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetamide, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)acetamide, N-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetamide, N-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetamide, and N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetamide, and two of N-alkyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetamide, N-dodecyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetamide and 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-N-hexadecylacetamide, have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. These organic compounds are potential pesticides. Experimental 2θ peaks positions, relative peak intensities, values of d and Miller indices, and unit cell parameters are presented.

A ternary phase was revealed in Al-Ni-Re in a small compositional range around Al73.5Ni18.5Re8. Using powder X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction, it was found to have an orthorhombic structure with a=10.048(3) Å, b=15.423(8) Å, and c=8.367(3) Å.

Fiber diffraction data have been obtained from Narcissus mosaic virus, a potexvirus from the family Flexiviridae, and soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a potyvirus from the family Potyviridae. Analysis of the data in conjunction with cryo-electron microscopy data allowed us to determine the symmetry of the viruses and to make reconstructions of SMV at 19 Å resolution and of another potexvirus, papaya mosaic virus, at 18 Å resolution. These data include the first well-ordered data ever obtained for the potyviruses and the best-ordered data from the potexviruses, and offer the promise of eventual high resolution structure determinations.

A comparison of different methods of X-ray diffraction analysis for the determination of crystallite size and microstrain; namely, line profile analysis, Rietveld refinement, and three approaches based on the variance method, is presented. The analyses have been applied to data collected on a ceria sample prepared by the IUCr Commission on Powder Diffraction. In the variance method, split Pearson VII, the Voigt function, and its approximation pseudo-Voigt function were fitted to X-ray diffraction line profiles. Based on the fitting results, the variances of line profiles were calculated and then the crystallite size and root mean square strain were obtained from variance coefficients. A SS plot of Langford as well as a Fourier analysis and Rietveld refinement have been carried out. The average crystallite size and microstrain were determined. The values of area-weighted domain size determined from the variance method are in agreement with those obtained from line profile analysis within a single (largest) standard uncertainty, and the volume-weighted domain sizes derived from the SS plot, Fourier size distribution, and Rietveld refinement agree within a single standard uncertainty. The results of rms strain calculated from variance and Pearson VII shape function and those from Rietveld refinements fall within a single esd. However, the variance method in conjunction with pseudo-Voigt and Voigt functions produce rms strains substantially larger than those determined from line profile analysis and Rietveld refinements.

Crystal and local structures (long- and short-range order, respectively) of four nanocrystalline zirconia-based solid solutions—ZrO2-6 and 16 mol % CaO and ZrO2-2.8 and 12 mol % Y2O3—synthesized by a pH-controlled nitrate-glycine gel-combustion process were studied. These materials were characterized by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Our XRD results indicate that the solid solution with low CaO and Y2O3 contents (6 and 2.8 mol %, respectively) exhibit a tetragonal crystallographic lattice, and those with higher CaO and Y2O3 contents (16 and 12 mol %, respectively) have a cubic lattice. Moreover, our EXAFS study demonstrates that the tetragonal-to-cubic phase transitions, for increasing CaO and Y2O3 contents, are both related to variations in the local symmetry of the Zr–O first neighbor coordination sphere.

X-ray powder diffraction data for five new bismuth yttrium gadolinium oxide compounds synthesized by solid state reaction method are reported. The unit cell dimensions were determined from X-ray diffraction methods, using CuKα radiation, and evaluated by indexing programs. The cubic phase was the sole crystalline phase detected by X-ray diffraction analysis in Bi0.88Y0.06Gd0.06O1.5, Bi0.88Y0.08Gd0.04O1.5, Bi0.82Y0.09Gd0.09O1.5, Bi0.82Y0.12Gd0.06O1.5, and Bi0.82Y0.06Gd0.12O1.5 samples with lattice constants of a=5.5371(1) Å, a=5.5368(1) Å, a=5.5303(2) Å, a=5.53487(8) Å, and a=5.5279(1) Å, respectively. The results are in good agreement with those reported for bismuth yttrium oxide (Bi0.75Y0.25)O1.5 (PDF 01-084-1450).

X-ray powder diffraction data collected in transmission and high-throughput geometries were used to analyze form I of atorvastatin. The X-ray wavelength of the synchrotron radiation used in this study was determined to be λ=1.3771 Å. Form I of atorvastatin was found to be triclinic with space group P1 and unit cell parameters a=5.4568(2) Å, b=9.8887(4) Å, c=30.3091(9) Å, α=76.801(3)°, β=99.177(5)°, γ=105.318(5)°, V=1527.1(1) Å3, Z=1, and M=1209.41 g mol−1 Alternatively, another unit cell dimension can be used to describe the same P1 crystal with a=5.4564(2) Å, b=9.8883(4) Å, c=29.6555(8) Å, α=95.745(3)°, β=94.297(5)°, γ=105.327(5)°, and V=1526.8(1) Å3.

The development of a tool called the Service Load Factor (SLF) for railway tapered roller bearings using residual stress and retained austenite data is presented. Case-carburized tapered roller bearings used in the railroad industry are manufactured with a dual-phase microstructure that consists primarily of tempered martensite and retained austenite. The retained austenite phase is metastable, and will transform to martensite with sufficient thermal or mechanical energy during service. The increase in surface volume because of transformation, and the subsequent increase in compressive residual stress could indicate the onset of certain failure modes, including fatigue spalling. In addition, retained austenite transformation can lead to an increase in bore diameter, which could result in a loss of fit on the axle journal. Several bearing inner races with various service histories were measured with a Siemens X-ray diffractometer using chromium radiation. Results indicated that the transformation of retained austenite and resultant increase in compressive residual stress are interrelated with load and rolling cycles. Results indicate that the SLF is a useful tool that correlates well with current Association of American Railroads failure criteria.

A new Tutton’s salt Tl2[Mn(OH2)6](SO4)2 was grown from aqueous solutions and characterized by chemical analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. It was found to be monoclinic, space group P21/a, a=0.93276(6), b=1.25735(8), c=0.62407(4) nm, and β=106.310(3)°. It is unstable in warm air and dissolves incongruently. A comparison of unit cell volumes for all 37 Tutton sulfate phases found in ICDD’s PDF-2 database (86 entries) reveals a reasonable correlation with Shannon and Prewitt’s ionic radii [Acta Crystallogr. 25, 925–926 (1969)] and several deviations, most of them seeming to be erroneous entries.

Nickel oxide nanopowder was prepared by a simple method and analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. A solution of gelatin and NiCl2⋅6H2O salt were prepared and sintered in sequence. Using a synchrotron light source for X-ray powder diffraction analysis, the synthesized material was characterized as a function of temperature in the interval of 375 to 600 °C. Results from thermogravimetric analysis confirm the temperature loss of the organic substance during the sintering process and show that the temperature for NiO attainment is 600 °C.

A new phase Zn3Cu4Sb2O12 was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. Its monoclinic unit cell parameters are a=21.0378(19) Å, b=8.7825(7) Å, c=5.5860(4) Å, and β=112.578(7)°, and the space group is either Cc (9) or C2/c (15). From comparison with density measurements, Z=4.

X-ray powder diffraction data for ErH2−xDx formed by hydrogen (i.e., protium)–deuterium loading of Er metal are reported. Lattice parameters for the varying hydrogen–deuterium compositions followed Vergard’s law behavior. The cubic lattice parameter at room temperature for ErH2−xDx obeys a linear relationship according to the formula a=5.1287−1.1120×10−4⋅x, where a is the lattice parameter of the fluorite-type structure and x is the mole percent of deuterium. Microstrain measurements suggest a possible ordering of hydrogen and deuterium in the composition ErH1D1.

A specially designed specimen holder employing a beryllium dome has been fabricated for collection of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data from highly reactive materials. The specimen holder has a robust O-ring type seal (<10−9Torr) and no observed intensity artifacts in the 1° to 150° 2θ range. The design also minimizes specimen displacement errors and allows for analysis of both powders and bulk specimens (i.e., pellets). The simple design makes for straightforward assembly of the holder within the confines of a glove box. XRD analysis of hygroscopic LaBr3 powders collected with this holder are suitable for Rietveld structure refinement, yielding unit cell lattice parameters of a=7.9703(6) Å and c=4.5122(6) Å; cell volume=248.44(6) Å3; Rp=7.70%.

Ternary Al–Cu–Ir phases, isostructural to the Al–Cu–Rh ω and C2 phases, were found to be around the Al70Cu20Ir10 and Al60Cu15Ir25 compositions, respectively. Using powder X-ray diffraction, the former was found to have a tetragonal structure (space group P4/mnc) with a=6.4142(9) Å and c=14.842(4) Å, and the latter has a cubic structure (space group Fm3) with a=15.3928(6) Å.

X-ray powder diffraction was used to study the phase composition of human renal calculi. The stones were collected from 56 donors in Vitória, Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil. An XRD phase quantification revealed that 61% of the studied renal stones were composed exclusively of calcium oxalate [34% formed only by calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and 27% presents both monohydrate and dihydratate calcium oxalate]. The 39% multi-composed calculi have various other phases such as uric acid and calcium phosphate. Rietveld refinement of XRD data of one apparent monophasic (COM) renal calculus revealed the presence of a small amount of hydroxyapatite. The presence of this second phase and the morphology of the stone (ellipsoidal) indicated that this calculus can be classified as non-papillary type and its nucleation process developed in closed kidney cavities. In order to show some advantages of the X-ray powder diffraction technique, a study of the phase transformation of monohydrate calcium oxalate into calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was carried out by annealing of a monophasic COM calculi at 200, 300, and 400 °C for 48 h in a N2 gas atmosphere. The results of the XRD for the heat treated samples is in good agreement with the thermogravimetric analysis found in the literature and shows that X-ray powder diffraction can be used as a suitable technique to study the composition and phase diagram of renal calculi.