Crystallographic & Structural Material Characterization
A central focus of research in Crystallographic and Structural Material Characterization is the study of the structure, morphology, and microstructural characteristics of organic and inorganic materials, with the aim of understanding their physical, chemical, and technological properties. The research covers a broad range of materials, including geological samples, industrial materials, food products, pharmaceuticals, archaeological objects, and functional materials for advanced applications.
Within this framework, X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques are applied to identify crystalline phases, determine mineralogical and crystallographic composition, and investigate structural changes in different categories of materials. The research activities include phase identification and quantification, assessment of changes associated with thermal or chemical processes, and investigation of structural characteristics in complex systems.
The research activities also extend to X-ray radiographic inspection for the non-destructive investigation of internal structures, discontinuities, and morphological features of materials and objects. These applications are used to examine internal structures in archaeological objects, industrial materials, and other complex systems, providing information on manufacturing features, deterioration, inclusions, and internal changes that are not macroscopically visible.
A significant part of the research also concerns electron microscopy and the microstructural characterization of materials using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The research activities include the morphological and microstructural analysis of surfaces and micro-areas, as well as the application of techniques such as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to investigate crystallographic orientation, grain microstructure, grain boundaries, and deformation or recrystallization phenomena in different categories of materials.
The Laboratory thus contributes to the development of advanced approaches for the structural and crystallographic characterization of materials and the investigation of relationships among structure, composition, and functional properties.