Experimental improvements in analysis of aerosol samples by X-ray powder diffraction

Abstract Instrumental modifications of Bragg-Brentano diffractometer geometry to obtain more complete data on aerosol samples were studied. The conventionally used graphite crystal monochromator was replaced by an ideally focusing Johansson-type quartz crystal, which resolved overlapping peaks and eliminated the K α 2 component from the diffraction patterns. The commonly used copper target X-ray tube was replaced by a longer wavelength chromium tube which gives better peaks separation. The optimum step size is also discussed. These parameters are compared in a study on aerosol samples generated by the manual metal arc welding of mild steel, the purpose being to reveal the complex spinel structure assumed to be contained in the samples.