Neutron Diffraction Texture Analysis of Multi-Phase Systems

TLDR: Neutron diffraction methods for texture analysis are closely parallel to well-known X-ray diffraction techniques as discussed by the authors, however, the effect of anisotropic absorption in multi-phase materials can be neglected in most cases.

Abstract: Neutron diffraction methods for texture analysis are closely parallel to well-known X-ray diffraction techniques. The chief advantage of neutron diffraction over X-ray diffraction, however, arises from the fact that the interaction of neutrons with matter is relatively weak, and consequently the penetration depth of neutrons is 102–103 times larger than that of X-rays. Hence neutron diffraction is an efficient tool for measuring textures in multi-phase systems. Based on the high transmission of a neutron beam the effect of anisotropic absorption in multi-phase materials can be neglected in most cases. Moreover, the analysis of bulk textures becomes possible, such that textures in a wide variety of multi-phase systems can be studied which are of special interest in engineering and science (metals, alloys, composites, ceramics and geological specimens).