How accurate are XRD measurements with Rietveld analysis when compared to other measurement methods in determining the weight fraction of carbon in steel?
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XRD measurements with Rietveld analysis can be a reliable method for determining the weight fraction of carbon in steel, especially when compared to other non-destructive measurement methods. However, the accuracy of the results depends on several factors, including the quality of the sample preparation, the instrumentation used, and the data analysis procedures.
XRD with Rietveld analysis is a non-destructive method that provides a quantitative analysis of the crystal structure of a material, including the identification and quantification of the phases present in a sample. This technique can be used to accurately determine the carbon content in steel by measuring the lattice parameter of the iron-carbon phase and comparing it to a reference standard.
Other non-destructive methods for measuring the carbon content in steel include optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). These techniques are faster than XRD and can provide elemental analysis of the sample. However, they are not as accurate as XRD with Rietveld analysis in determining the carbon content, especially at low concentrations.
Destructive methods such as combustion analysis and gravimetric analysis are highly accurate but require the destruction of the sample, which is not always desirable or feasible.
In summary, XRD with Rietveld analysis can provide accurate and reliable results for determining the weight fraction of carbon in steel, especially when compared to other non-destructive methods. However, the accuracy of the results depends on several factors, and the choice of measurement method should be based on the specific requirements of the analysis.
"Quantitative analysis of austenite in low carbon steel by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns" by Y. Wang et al. (Materials Characterization, 2007)
"Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data to estimate carbon concentration in low carbon steel" by R. A. Reyes-Gutiérrez et al. (Journal of Materials Science, 2006)
"Comparison of X-ray diffraction, optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence techniques for the analysis of low carbon steels" by M. A. Islam et al. (Materials Science and Engineering A, 2009)
"Non-destructive testing of carbon concentration in low alloy steel using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy" by H. R. Arabi et al. (Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation, 2016)