Hostname: page-component-7b7567c8c-2n9c9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-14T11:15:24.981Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Impact of clay particle orientation on quantitative clay diffractometry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2018

L. Zevin
Affiliation:
Department of Physico-chemical Geology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 C, B-3030 Heverlee, Belgium
W. Viaene
Affiliation:
Department of Physico-chemical Geology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 C, B-3030 Heverlee, Belgium

Abstract

Preferred orientation of clay particles in various clay mounts was measured with an X-ray texture diffractometer. Pole distributions are approximately symmetrical about the normal to the sample. Particle orientation is characterized by standard deviations ranging from 7° for thin sedimented layers, to 20° and more for dry-pressed samples, the latter showing less dependence on particle size. The orientation of the reflecting particles may span a considerable angular range affecting the intensities of diffraction peaks observed on contemporary powder diffractometers, even those with moderate axial divergence. A theory based on the diffractometer geometry was developed to calculate the effect of particle orientation. Results are presented as modified Lorentz factors for orientations deduced from experimental observations. In qualitative X-ray diffractometry of clays, preference must be given to preparation techniques which ensure a high degree of preferred orientation and therefore strong enhancement of basal reflections. In quantitative X-ray diffractometry, the main factor is the reproducibility of particle orientation, and suction and dry pressing are promising methods of sample preparation.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 1990

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable