Neutron diffraction texture analysis of multi-phase systems

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). (orig.)