X-RAY METHODS FOR MINERALS AND MATERIALS: THE “MICRO X-RAY LAB” EXPERIENCE

Chemical, microstructural and mineralogical studies of minerals and materials require sophisticated analytical techniques capable of probing the samples down to the nanometer scale. In addition, since this type of sample materials can have very different chemical and physical characteristics, highly versatile analytical procedures are needed. X-ray based analytical techniques are suitable to address both these needs being capable of analysing all kind of samples (solids, liquids, suspensions, powders, thin films, etc.) at different length scales (from bulk to nanometer scale). Furthermore, X-ray analyses can provide different types of information (chemical, morphological, structural) which can be finally combined for a more comprehensive view of specific issues. Limited sample preparation and non destructivity are other two key characteristics which make X-ray analyses very effective for material science studies. However, most often this type of instrumentation is dedicated to sectorial investigations and combining different techniques requires the involvement of a number of laboratories and expertise. Within this context, a team of experts in different research fields from the University "Aldo Moro" and Polytechnic University of Bari has created the “Micro X-ray Lab”: a laboratory where different X-ray analytical techniques and expertises are available in a single place for several applications. In particular, the following laboratory instrumentation is available: powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF, for field studies), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF), micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF), high resolution computed X-ray tomography (HRCT) and field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (FESEM-EDX). Long experience with synchrotron X-ray analyses and connections with the main European synchrotron facilities also allows the team to perform advanced experiments with combined synchrotron X-ray techniques. All the information coming from both laboratory and synchrotron analyses, together with routine chemical-physical approaches, can be then combined to solve complex scientific problems related to Earth and material science. An overview of the techniques available at Micro X-ray Lab will be presented together with some applications in Earth and material sciences.