INDUSTRIAL-ASPECTS OF SYNCHROTRON X-RAY-POWDER DIFFRACTION

This paper describes some of the applications of powder diffraction us ing synchrotron radiation with possible applications to industry. The advantages of differing synchrotron diffraction geometries, Debye-Sche rrer, Analyser crystal, Hart Parrish, and Energy Dispersive, are discu ssed. The paper is not a comprehensive review but nevertheless conside rs the wider role of these powder diffraction geometries in elucidatin g crystal structures, highlighted examples being taken from polymers, catalyst and new drug materials, in addition to specific studies on po lymer electrolyte complexes, textured materials (e.g. asbestos), pyroc hlores, zeolites and cements. In the latter two cases rapid time-resol ved powder diffraction is seen to be emerging as an important developm ent in synchrotron-based techniques.