NewsSpectroscopy
XRD-Mill McCrone - Perfect for XRD Analysis
31 Aug 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor
Product news
RETSCH have enhanced their comprehensive range of mills and grinders with the XRD-Mill McCrone which was specifically developed for sample preparation to X-Ray diffraction analysis. Typical areas of application include geology, chemistry, mineralogy and materials science.
What makes this mill so effective is the unique grinding action: the grinding jar contains 48 cylinders which pulverize the sample very gently by friction. As a result the crystal lattice structure of the sample is largely preserved which is an important precondition for obtaining meaningful X-ray diffractograms. Further advantages are short grinding times, virtually no sample loss and exceptionally narrow particle size distributions.
The grinding vessel consists of a 125 ml polypropylene jar fitted with a screw-capped polyethylene closure. The jar is packed with an ordered array of forty-eight identical cylindrical grinding elements which are available in agate, zirconium oxide or sintered corundum. For optimum micronization the mill is operated for periods of 3 to 30 minutes; the recommended sample volume is 2 to 4ml.
Benefits at a glance:
- Crystal lattice structure of sample is preserved
- Minimum sample contamination
- Narrow, reproducible particle size distribution
- Compact bench-top model
- Easy cleaning
- Suitable for dry and wet grinding
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X-ray CrystallographyX-ray crystallography is an analytical technique used to determine the arrangement of atoms in a crystal. Monochromatic x-rays are produced from a synchrotron or x-ray generator. An x-ray crystallography system uses a detector to measure the x-ray diffraction from the crystal. The information is used to generate a 3D image of the crystal.X-Ray Diffraction and SpectroscopyX-Ray diffraction & spectroscopy are used in material characterization to discern the structure and elemental composition of a sample. X-Ray diffractometers (XRD) are superior instruments in elucidating the dimensional atomic structure of crystalline materials, including powders, thin films and single crystals. For large unit cells or ordered macromolecules, consider small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). X-ray spectroscopic techniques include X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), both providing simple and accurate methods for determining the elemental composition of a material. Energy dispersive (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive (WDXRF) XRF spectrometers are available, as well as handheld/portable devices. High-resolution, 3D microstructure characterization of materials can be achieved with X-ray microscopes combining sub-micron resolution imaging with 3D computed tomography. Find the best XRD and XRF spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Homogenizers and BlendersHomogenizers and blenders are used to homogenize various types of material, including tissue, cells, plants, food, soil, biological and chemical samples for subsequent analysis. Lab equipment for sample homogenization includes handheld and benchtop homogenizers, bead mill, ultrasonic and multiple sample homogenizers, high shear homogenizers and blenders. Homogenizer bead and probe multipacks are available to avoid cross contamination of samples, as well as cooling systems for homogenizing temperature-sensitive samples. Homogenizers are often used in the first step of extraction of DNA, RNA and proteins from tissue and cell samples. Find the best homogenizers and blenders in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mills, Sieves and PressesMills, sieves and presses are used to break and sort solid materials into smaller particle sizes for further processing such as pellet pressing or analysis. Milling equipment includes grinders, ball mills, cutting mills, jaw crushers, knife mills, beater and planetary mills. Sorting of smaller particulates can be achieved with test sieves and sieve shakers. Final powders can be pressed with hydraulic presses. Milling and pressing solid samples is an important preparation step in X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and diffraction (XRD). Find the best mills, sieves and presses in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.GrindingMillingMilling is the process of grinding, crushing, or cutting materials into smaller parts. In scientific research, it plays a crucial role in sample preparation for analysis in areas such as food, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Explore milling equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.MineralsGeographical OriginCrystallization