Materials Assignment Zain Ul Abideen

(30/50)
Engineering Materials
Assignment – I
Dr. Najam Ul Qadir

Muhammad Zain ul Abideen | CMS : 408541
ME-14(C)
Q1) Material Characterization techniques:
1. X-ray Diffraction:
One of the most effective methods for material characterisation is X-ray
diffraction. It makes it possible to identify a material's composition, texture, and
flaws in addition to its crystal structure, lattice parameters, and orientation.
A wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, minerals, polymers, and
biological molecules, can be examined using X-ray diffraction. Since the
periodic structure of the crystal lattice produces characteristic diffraction
patterns, it is especially helpful for investigating crystalline materials.
Research and development, quality assurance, and failure analysis all frequently
use X-ray diffraction. It can be applied to distinguish unknown substances,
assess the sample's purity, and track the development of chemical processes.
The characterisation of thin films and coatings as well as the research of
materials under severe conditions, such as high pressure or temperature, also
make use of X-ray diffraction.
All things considered, X-ray diffraction is a flexible and important technique for
the characterization and study of materials in a variety of applications.
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2. Raman Spectroscopy:
The study of the structure, content, and characteristics of materials is
frequently done using the method of material characterization known as Raman
spectroscopy. It entails projecting a laser beam onto a sample and detecting the
scattered light, which can reveal details about the molecules' vibrational modes.
A wide range of materials, including solids, liquids, and gases, can be examined
using Raman spectroscopy. In order to learn more about the crystal structure,
orientation, and flaws of crystalline materials, it is especially helpful.
Without the requirement for substantial sample preparation, Raman spectroscopy is
a non-destructive technique that can be used to evaluate samples in situ. It can be
used to identify unidentified components, ascertain a sample's chemical make-up,
and keep an eye on chemical processes as they happen. Raman spectroscopy is
helpful for analysing biological substances like DNA and proteins.
Raman spectroscopy's excellent spatial resolution, which enables the examination
of tiny sample areas or individual particles, is one of its main advantages. Raman
spectroscopy can also be used in conjunction with other methods to offer
comprehensive data on the morphology and structure of materials, including
microscopy and imaging.
All things considered, Raman spectroscopy is a strong and adaptable method for
the characterization and study of materials in a variety of applications, from basic
science to industrial quality control.
3. Neutron Diffraction:
The crystal structure and magnetic characteristics of materials are
extensively studied using the potent material characterisation technique known as
neutron diffraction. In order to do this, a sample is exposed to a neutron beam, and
the neutrons' angles and intensities as they scatter off the atoms in the crystal
lattice are then measured.
In comparison to X-rays, neutrons provide a number of advantages for material
characterisation. They can delve further into materials, making it possible to
analyse bulk samples and materials with many atomic elements. Also, they are
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sensitive to light elements like hydrogen, which are challenging to find with X-
rays.
Many materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and biological molecules,
can be analysed using neutron diffraction.It can be used to study magnetic
materials. , as neutrons can be used to probe the magnetic ordering and spin
configurations of the atoms in the crystal lattice.
Without the requirement for substantial sample preparation, neutron diffraction is a
non-destructive technique that can be used to evaluate samples in situ. It can be
used to identify a material's texture, strain, and flaws as well as its crystal structure
and lattice characteristics.
The capacity to investigate materials under a range of situations, such as high
pressure, high temperature, and in situ during chemical reactions, is one of the
main benefits of neutron diffraction. The investigation of thin films and coatings,
as well as the research of materials in the domains of geology, materials science,
and condensed matter physics, can all benefit from neutron diffraction.
All in all, It is a versatile technique that can be used in a wide range of
applications.
4. Scanning Electron Spectroscopy:

A concentrated electron beam is utilised in the material characterisation
method known as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to create high-resolution
photographs of a sample's surface. Metals, ceramics, polymers, biological
specimens, and other materials can all be examined with SEM. SEM can be used in
conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to produce chemical
data on the sample's makeup in addition to imaging. The elemental makeup, crystal
structure, and surface morphology of materials can all be studied using this
method. In many different industries, including metallurgy, semiconductors, and
nanotechnology, SEM-EDS is extensively employed in research and development,
failure analysis, and quality control.
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5. Transmission Electron Microscopy:
A method in which a high energy beam of electron is directed at a sample of
usually thickness around 100nm, The crystal structure of a substance can be
determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The spacing and
arrangement of the lattice planes are revealed by the diffraction pattern
created by electrons moving through the crystal. This makes it possible for
TEM to determine whether or not the lattice planes are closed-packed. TEM
can also be used to identify the stacking order of lattice planes, which
controls crystal structure and properties. To determine the stacking order,
high-resolution photos of the crystal structure are taken. The lattice constants
(a, b, and c) and angles (,, ) can be calculated by measuring the angles and
separations between the diffracted spots in the pattern. These properties
provide information on the composition, behaviour, and crystal structure of a
crystal.
Q2) Highlight which of the above techniques cannot be used for

powder samples?
ANS) From the above mentioned technique only Transmission electron
microscopy cannot be used for a powder sample as it requires a very thin sample
mounted on a grid which cannot be achieved with a powder sample and it also
needs a crystalline sample with a defined orientation to work with the electron
beam which cannot be found in powder samples as they are random crystals, But
techniques such as X-ray and Neutron diffraction can be used for powder samples
and are the most commonly used,similarly Scanning Electron Spectroscopy and
Raman Spectroscopy both can be used as well.
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Dr. Najam Ul Qadir

4. Scanning Electron Spectroscopy:

Q2) Highlight which of the above techniques cannot be used for

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