With the output of XRD, we can get any information relevant to Phase Change Materials of Latent Heat Storage?
XRD methods are mainly used to characterize the crystalline order of solid samples. For example, you could use temperature-dependent powder XRD to asses the phase change of crystalline material as it goes form solid to liquid or to characterize a solid-solid transition. From powder XRD you could also get information regarding crystallite size or strain. Some PCMs (for example fatty acids) also exhibit polymorphism, with different crystalline phases having different melting points and heat of fusion. In this case, XRD methods can be used to identify the PCM phase present in your sample.
Mathematical models of heat flow i.e. thermal conductivity rely heavily on the postulation of phonon vibrations and defects in crystalline materials. For instance, the Debye model. One of the best tools today to probe crystalline structure is XRD. It is likely to be used alongside other techniques. Therefore XRD techniques are invaluable to solving problems related to the kinds of materials you work with. Simple answer: YES.
If "Phase Change Materials" involves materials altering their crystal structure or transiting between crystalline and non-crystalline states, you could use XRD data to charaterize them. Still, a lot depends on your XRD set-up and your particular system. If measurement of heat gets also into the discussion, calorimetry-oriented approaches can be uselful, especially when combined with XRD.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Materials Science