After spiking the product samples (SiSiCar M) with alumina ( Sigma-Aldrich 265497-25G) is it normal to see such high amorphous content even though the base line seems flat from the scanned patterns?
(unspiked sample SiSiCar M) Fe 9.63 wt % ( from ICP-OES)
Si+SiO2 8.66 wt% (from ICP-OES)
Al2O3 0 wt%
SiC wt% Not calculated by ICP-OES
Amorphous content (XRD) not tested
(Internal Standard Al2O3 Sigma-Aldrich 265497-25G)
Fe
From what I see your internal standard is far from an ideal standard. The fit of Al2O3.pro is far from being perfect, additionally you have some other peaks the most prominent around 33,3 °2Theta (change y-Axis to sqrt(y) to observe what I mean). Anyways you will have to get a pure standard with possibly smaller grainsize in order to eliminate graininess effects (as in Al2O3.pro) or possible micro absorption in the blended sample. You should try to get the highest purity standard with known amorphous contend (which can be quite challenging). If you have the money you can consider using NIST SRM 676a (with certified amorphous contend) to calibrate a laboratory standard material.
Regard & good luck
Thanks for your suggestions.
will be purchasing NIST SRM 676a standards or if not a cheaper equivalent.
