UCSB Science Line
Sponge Spicules Nerve Cells Galaxy Abalone Shell Nickel Succinate X-ray Lens Lupine
UCSB Science Line
Home
How it Works
Ask a Question
Search Topics
Webcasts
Our Scientists
Science Links
Contact Information
A cement compound CaO.Al2O3.10H2O gives certain peaks when using the powder diffraction method. The compound now increases its water of crystallization to become CaO.Al2O3.11H2O. Will the diffraction pattern obtained be basically the same as the former, with only a slight difference, which corresponds to a slight increase in the d spacing? Or will the diffraction pattern be an entirely different pattern?
Question Date: 2007-05-06
Answer 1:

The diffraction pattern is a reflection of the crystal structure state in which the compound is in. So, as long as the compound maintains the same lattice structure, the diffraction pattern should remain the same. In the instance that adding to the water content of your cement compound only expands the lattice without changing the structure pattern, then you will notice a shift in the peak position of the diffraction pattern reflecting a change in the d spacing. But, in the instance that increasing the water content of your cement compound the lattice structure pattern will change, then the diffraction pattern will be different. These cement compounds are characterized by an ability to retain water and swell; to my understanding, their structures do not change, but rather just swell. If you wish to learn further on this topic, I would recommend contacting a materials chemist who would know much more on ceramics and their structures.


Click Here to return to the search form.

University of California, Santa Barbara Materials Research Laboratory National Science Foundation
This program is co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation and UCSB School-University Partnerships
Copyright © 2020 The Regents of the University of California,
All Rights Reserved.
UCSB Terms of Use