CAPE2710 Materials Synthesis and Characterisation

Group Project
D. Materials Characterisation Results

Objective
 To assess your ability to analyse the results of some materials characterisation
techniques

Group 13: Nuclear graphite 2

Examine the results of the characterization tests which have been carried out and decide
whether the processing route has achieved its objectives. Use the provided reference
information to help in your analysis.

In your final report, you should demonstrate how you have analysed the data and defend
your conclusions.

a) X-ray diffraction:
 Confirm that the phase is graphite
Label the peaks and make a table with the following headings (include as many rows as
needed, i.e. ):

Peak number 2θ (degrees) d (Å) Structure hkl

 Using the expanded peak - Quantify the crystallite size (assume no strain, texture or
instrumental broadening)

b) Polarised light microscopy

 Interpret Figure 2, extracting as much information as you can about this specimen

c) Raman Spectroscopy
 Interpret the Raman Spectrum extracting as much information as you can about the
specimen
 Figure 1. X-ray diffraction pattern, Cu Kα radiation (XRD-1)

X-ray diffraction pattern, expanded section of figure 1 above

Figure 2. Polarised light microscopy

Figure 3. Raman Spectroscopy