Crystallite (or grain) size and strain within a polycrystalline material may have a profound influence on its physical properties, eg. the fracture toughness, wear and thermal shock resistance. A diffraction pattern for a material conveys information about the strain through the strain-induced changes in the shapes of the Bragg peaks and also through peak shifts. Crystallite size effects also influence the peak shape. Therefore, it is possible, in principle, to extract descriptions of crystallite size and strain from the peak broadening of a diffraction pattern. Various methods for size and strain evaluations have been proposed for extraction of the size and strain information in metals and ceramic powders. However, there appear to be no detailed amounts in the literature to be on the development of models appropriate for sintered ceramic materials. The objectives for this study were to critically examine the existing models for crystallite size and strain assessments and then to develop a new physically-based model which might be appropriate for sintered ceramics. The principal steps for the research, designed to fulfill the study objectives, were (1) acquiring high-quality diffraction data with synchrotron radiation, laboratory x-ray and neutron diffraction techniques for model evaluation; (2) performing preliminary evaluation using the existing models; (3) developing a new model and the non-linear least-squares calculation software; and (4) performing peak profile analyses using the existing and new models to evaluate the effectiveness of the new model. A convolution model for crystallite size and strain determination from diffraction line broadening has been developed with particular reference to the characterisation of sintered ceramics. / The size profile component function for the convolution model involves the modal size and the size distribution appropriate for `normal' crystallite growth according to the mean-field theory, as proposed recently in a seminal publication by Dr. Brian York of IBM. A Gaussian strain profile component function was considered in the study on the basis that it has been widely used for specimens which exhibit small microstrain (ca. 10-3 or less). The overall profile describing the diffraction pattern involves convolution of the instrument, size and strain effects. A non-linear least-squares refinement program entitled MOZAIX has been developed for profile fitting with the model. Data simulations were performed with the model, and non-linear least-squares optimisations for fitting the simulated data showed that the calculations were reasonable for low-strain sintered ceramics. The convolution model for size and strain assessments from diffraction line broadening has been evaluated with synchrotron and laboratory x-ray radiation diffraction data (SRD and XRD, respectively). The study made use of MgO ceramics with three different purity levels which had been sintered at a range of temperatures in order to provide diffraction data with a range of microstructural strain and size effects. The cubic symmetry of MgO provided isotropic size and strain effects as had been anticipated. The Voigt function, a convolution of the Gaussian and Lorentzian functions, is widely used to extract crystallite size and strain information from powder diffraction data using (1) Fourier transforms, (2) the Rietveld method and (3) integral breadth methods. Size and strain model evaluation carried out using the Voigt-based Rietveld and integral breadth methods assumes that the size effect contributes only to the Lorentzian component and the strain contributes only to the Gaussian component. / Size and strain assessment using the Voigt integral breadth single-line and Rietveld methods has been examined in this study with diffraction data for MgO ceramics. Two major outcomes from the evaluation confirmed impressions gained from the literature that: 1. the integral-breadth single-line method can be used as a reliable technique for size and strain analysis; 2. analysis using the Voigt function has no physical basis, is inappropriate for profiles with 'super-Lorentzian' character and is inadequate for size-strain analysis since the function does not take into account the size distribution parameter. There has been a strong trend recently towards whole-pattern size and strain evaluations which are progressively replacing single-line methods. However, due to time constraints, this study was confined to single-line analysis with the focus being on the development of the model, and with an expectation that the single-line model would readily be extended in the future to use with whole-powder pattern data. The size-strain analysis results using the convolution model showed that sintering (1) promotes crystallite growth and (2) relieves residual strains in low density sintered ceramics and introduces strains in dense ceramics, presumably due to grain-grain shear interactions. The effect of sintering on the size distribution clearly depends on the crystallite growth behaviour. Comparing the SRD convolution size results with those from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that (1) the "grains" imaged using SEM contain clusters of crystallites and (2) the SEM-derived and convolution size distributions are in a satisfactory agreement. / In general, despite the larger uncertainties due to instrument resolution, the XRD results are in agreement with those from SRD. The size and strain values obtained with the convolution model were compared with those calculated using the Voigt single-line integral-breadth method. The comparison showed that size and strain results for both methods were dependent upon the character of the diffraction peak shapes. The convolution model improves the Voigt model in terms of (1) reliability of models from a physical point of view, (2) the additional size distribution parameter and (3) its applicability to `super-Lorentzian' profiles. Subsequent research is suggested to further improve the model in dealing with large microstrains and developing a whole powder fitting procedure.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2003Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:46:11Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 andrade_avc_dr_araiq.pdf: 5138584 bytes, checksum: bbedecd07acf7ed59aafdb0934ad7d94 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Métodos de determinação de tamanho de cristalito e microdeformação da rede cristalina utilizando difratometria de raios X por pó foram discutidos e aplicados em três sistemas cerâmicos de interesse tecnológico: LiCoO2 preparado por combustão ou pelo método de Pechini; SnO2 não dopado e dopado com 5% de cério ou 5% de ítrio ou 5% de lantânio, tratados termicamente a 550oC, 720oC, 820oC, 920oC, 1000oC e 1100oC; e hidroxiapatita preparada pelo método da emulsão. Foram discutidas (i) as análises qualitativas de tamanho de cristalito-deformação (td) utilizando gráficos da largura-total-a-meia-altura (fwhm) em função do ângulo de difração 2θ; (ii) a análise isotrópica pelo método de Rietveld utilizando a função Thompson-Cox-Hastings, modificada por Young e Desai (TCHZ); (iii) o gráfico de Williamson-Hall (iv) o método “double-Voigt” e (v) o método fenomenológico de Peter Stephens aplicado ao método de Rietveld. Foram desenvolvidos dois programas escritos para o programa MathCad® 7.0 que calculam o tamanho de cristalito e a microdeformação utilizando o gráfico de Williamson-Hall e o método “double-Voigt”, respectivamente. O método da máxima entropia foi utilizado neste trabalho como complementar ao método de Rietveld para a obtenção dos mapas de densidades eletrônicas da hidroxiapatita. A análise qualitativa de tamanho de cristalito e microdeformação da rede cristalina foi aplicada ao sistema LiCoO2. Este estudo revelou que a fase LiCoO2 trigonal predomina, acompanhada de uma pequena quantidade da fase espinélio Co3O4 cúbica. Observou-se que tanto os cristalitos quanto as microdeformações são maiores quando se utiliza o método de Pechini. Nas análises utilizando o método de Rietveld e a TCHZ nas amostras de SnO2, observou-se que enquanto os cristalitos aumentam com o aumento da temperatura de tratamento, as microdeformações diminuem... / Methods for crystallite size and microstrain determination using x-ray powder diffractometry are discussed and applied to three interesting technological ceramics systems: LiCoO2 prepared by combustion or Pechini methods, SnO2 non doped and doped with 5% of cerium or 5% of yttrium or 5% of lanthanum, heat-treated at 550oC, 720oC, 820oC, 920oC, 1000oC and 1100oC, and hydroxylapatite prepared by emulsion method. Are discussed (i) the crystallite size-deformation (td) qualitative analyses using fwhm as 2θ function; (ii) the isotropic analysis by Rietveld method using the modified Young and Desai Thompson-Cox-Hastings function (TCHZ); (iii) the Williamson-Hall plot, (iv) the double-Voigt method and (v) Peter Stephens' phenomenological method applied to the Rietveld method. Two programs to calculate the crystallite size and the microstrains are developed to be used in the MathCad® 7.0 program, using the Williamson-Hall plot and double-Voigt method, respectively. The maximum entropy method was used in this work as complemental to the Rietveld method for obtaining the electron densities maps of hydroxyapatite. The size-strain qualitative analysis was applied to the LiCoO2 system. This study revealed that LiCoO2 trigonal phase prevails, followed by of a small amount of spinel Co3O4 cubic phase. It is observed that crystallites and microstrains are larger when the Pechini method is used. Analysis using the Rietveld method and TCHZ function in SnO2 samples, allow to observe that, while crystallite size increases when the temperature treatment increase, the microstrains decreases. The non doped samples show greater sizes and smaller strains. The hydroxyapatite size and strain analysis showed differences among the used methods. The Rietveld method using the Peter Stephens' model showed cristallite sizes between 918 Å and 869 Å, in the parallel and perpendicular directions of broadening axis...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Resumo: Métodos de determinação de tamanho de cristalito e microdeformação da rede cristalina utilizando difratometria de raios X por pó foram discutidos e aplicados em três sistemas cerâmicos de interesse tecnológico: LiCoO2 preparado por combustão ou pelo método de Pechini; SnO2 não dopado e dopado com 5% de cério ou 5% de ítrio ou 5% de lantânio, tratados termicamente a 550oC, 720oC, 820oC, 920oC, 1000oC e 1100oC; e hidroxiapatita preparada pelo método da emulsão. Foram discutidas (i) as análises qualitativas de tamanho de cristalito-deformação (td) utilizando gráficos da largura-total-a-meia-altura (fwhm) em função do ângulo de difração 2θ; (ii) a análise isotrópica pelo método de Rietveld utilizando a função Thompson-Cox-Hastings, modificada por Young e Desai (TCHZ); (iii) o gráfico de Williamson-Hall (iv) o método "double-Voigt" e (v) o método fenomenológico de Peter Stephens aplicado ao método de Rietveld. Foram desenvolvidos dois programas escritos para o programa MathCad® 7.0 que calculam o tamanho de cristalito e a microdeformação utilizando o gráfico de Williamson-Hall e o método "double-Voigt", respectivamente. O método da máxima entropia foi utilizado neste trabalho como complementar ao método de Rietveld para a obtenção dos mapas de densidades eletrônicas da hidroxiapatita. A análise qualitativa de tamanho de cristalito e microdeformação da rede cristalina foi aplicada ao sistema LiCoO2. Este estudo revelou que a fase LiCoO2 trigonal predomina, acompanhada de uma pequena quantidade da fase espinélio Co3O4 cúbica. Observou-se que tanto os cristalitos quanto as microdeformações são maiores quando se utiliza o método de Pechini. Nas análises utilizando o método de Rietveld e a TCHZ nas amostras de SnO2, observou-se que enquanto os cristalitos aumentam com o aumento da temperatura de tratamento, as microdeformações diminuem...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Methods for crystallite size and microstrain determination using x-ray powder diffractometry are discussed and applied to three interesting technological ceramics systems: LiCoO2 prepared by combustion or Pechini methods, SnO2 non doped and doped with 5% of cerium or 5% of yttrium or 5% of lanthanum, heat-treated at 550oC, 720oC, 820oC, 920oC, 1000oC and 1100oC, and hydroxylapatite prepared by emulsion method. Are discussed (i) the crystallite size-deformation (td) qualitative analyses using fwhm as 2θ function; (ii) the isotropic analysis by Rietveld method using the modified Young and Desai Thompson-Cox-Hastings function (TCHZ); (iii) the Williamson-Hall plot, (iv) the "double-Voigt" method and (v) Peter Stephens' phenomenological method applied to the Rietveld method. Two programs to calculate the crystallite size and the microstrains are developed to be used in the MathCad® 7.0 program, using the Williamson-Hall plot and "double-Voigt" method, respectively. The maximum entropy method was used in this work as complemental to the Rietveld method for obtaining the electron densities maps of hydroxyapatite. The size-strain qualitative analysis was applied to the LiCoO2 system. This study revealed that LiCoO2 trigonal phase prevails, followed by of a small amount of spinel Co3O4 cubic phase. It is observed that crystallites and microstrains are larger when the Pechini method is used. Analysis using the Rietveld method and TCHZ function in SnO2 samples, allow to observe that, while crystallite size increases when the temperature treatment increase, the microstrains decreases. The non doped samples show greater sizes and smaller strains. The hydroxyapatite size and strain analysis showed differences among the used methods. The Rietveld method using the Peter Stephens' model showed cristallite sizes between 918 Å and 869 Å, in the parallel and perpendicular directions of broadening axis...(Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Carlos de Oliveira Paiva Santos / Coorientador: José Caetano Zurita da Silva / Doutor

No presente trabalho foram estudados alguns efeitos causados pelo jateamento por granalhas no aço Cr-Si-V, processo que tem por objetivo aumentar a resistência à fadiga. Para este estudo a variação de parâmetros no processo são ferramentas para melhor compreender os mecanismos que influenciam esta propriedade. Os parâmetros utilizados neste trabalho foram a variação da granalha e o pré tensionamento das amostras aplicados em lâminas utilizadas em feixe de molas automobilísticas de aço de liga cromo silício vanádio (SAE 9254+V). Inicialmente foi realizada a avaliação do perfil de tensão residual, efetuada por difração de raios-x pelo método do sen2 ao longo da espessura na região onde a tensão é compressiva. Nos resultados nota-se um efeito anômalo em relação ao perfil característico da distribuição de tensão residual com a perda de compressão nas camadas iniciais em relação à superfície jateada. Com o uso da microscopia eletrônica de varredura foi observado a região afetada pelo jateamento por granalhas notando que as regiões plasticamente deformadas se encontram nas mesmas regiões onde ocorre a diminuição da tensão residual compressiva. O perfil obtido pela difração de raios-x fornece as informações necessárias com o propósito de conjugar os efeitos que a microtensão (microdeformação) influenciam na macrotensão (tensão residual). Esta relação foi comprovada pela sobreposição dos resultados encontrados na distribuição da microdeformação da rede cristalina com a tensão residual ao longo da espessura na região plasticamente deformada. Os resultados dos perfis das difrações de raios-x mostraram a existência de anisotropia de tensões entre os planos, geradas por defeitos de empilhamento e pela densidade de discordâncias. Assim sendo, para obter os valores das microtensões devem ser considerados os fatores das constantes elásticas (conforme o módulo das direções) e dos planos cristalográficos. O método aplicado foi o Williamson-Hall modificado. Além deste método outros também foram utilizados, tais como: método de Warren-Averbach e o método Single Line, este aplicando a série de Fourier, porém, ao observar os resultados, nota-se a diferença entre os valores obtidos nas deformações, tanto aos métodos quanto aos planos cristalográficos, porém a ênfase deste trabalho foi dada às características dos perfis da distribuição e não aos valores absolutos. Somando a isto, foi proporcionado o estudo da distribuição do tamanho médio de cristalito ao longo da espessura no perfil das difrações de raios-x e os resultados mostraram que esta distribuição varia de forma inversa a microdeformação. A relação entre o tamanho médio de cristalito e a variação das distâncias interplanares corresponde diretamente a alterações das densidades de discordâncias ocorridas no material que por sua vez estão ligadas às microdeformações da rede cristalina. Como complemento ao trabalho foram analisados o fator de concentração de tensão e ensaios de fadiga do material. O fator de concentração de tensão não variou conforme a utilização das granalhas S330 e S390, ambas sendo aplicadas no mesmo regime de jateamento. Os ensaios de fadiga indicaram que o pré tensionamento aumenta a vida útil nas tensões cíclicas do material estudado. / In the present work, some effects caused by jateamento por granalhas on Cr-Si-V steel have been studied, a process that aims to increase fatigue resistance. For this study the variation of parameters in the process are tools to better understand the mechanisms that influence this property. The parameters used in this work were the variation of the grit and the pre-tensioning of the samples applied in leafs used in automotive springs of chrome silicon vanadium alloy steel (SAE 9254 + V). Initially the evaluation of the residual stress profile was performed by x-ray diffraction using the sen2 method along the thickness in the region where the stress is compressive. The results show an anomalous effect in relation to the characteristic profile of the residual stress distribution with the decrease of compression in the initial layers in relation to the blasted surface. With the use of scanning electron microscopy, the region affected by grit blasting was observed, noting that the plastically deformed regions are located in the same regions where the compressive residual stress decrease. The profile obtained by X-ray diffraction provides necessary information with the aim of combining the effects of microstress (microstrain) on macrostress (residual stress). This relationship was confirmed by the overlap of the results found in the distribution of the microstrain of the crystalline lattice with the residual stress along the thickness in the plastically deformed region. The results of the x-ray diffraction tests show an existence of tensile anisotropy between the planes generated by stacking faults and the dislocations density. Therefore, to obtain the values of the microstress must be considered the factors of the elastic constants and the crystallographic planes. The method applied was the modified Williamson-Hall. Beyound this method, others were also used, such as: Warren-Averbach method and the Single Line method, this applying the Fourier series, however, when observing the results, we can notice the difference between the values obtained in the deformations, however, the emphasis of this work was on the characteristics of the distribution profiles and not on the absolute values. In addition, the study of the distribution of the mean crystallite size along the thickness of the X-ray diffraction profile was provided and the results showed that this distribution varies inversely with microstrain. The relationship between the mean crystallite size and the variation of the interplanar distances corresponds directly to changes in the densities of dislocations occurring in the material, which in turn are linked to the microstrain of the crystalline lattice. As a complement to the work, the stress concentration factor and fatigue tests of the material were analyzed. The stress concentration factor did not change according to the use of the S330 and S390 grit, both being applied in the same blasting regime. Fatigue tests indicated that pretensioning increases the useful life of the cyclic stresses of the material studied.

No presente trabalho foram estudados alguns efeitos causados pelo jateamento por granalhas no aço Cr-Si-V, processo que tem por objetivo aumentar a resistência à fadiga. Para este estudo a variação de parâmetros no processo são ferramentas para melhor compreender os mecanismos que influenciam esta propriedade. Os parâmetros utilizados neste trabalho foram a variação da granalha e o pré tensionamento das amostras aplicados em lâminas utilizadas em feixe de molas automobilísticas de aço de liga cromo silício vanádio (SAE 9254+V). Inicialmente foi realizada a avaliação do perfil de tensão residual, efetuada por difração de raios-x pelo método do sen2 ao longo da espessura na região onde a tensão é compressiva. Nos resultados nota-se um efeito anômalo em relação ao perfil característico da distribuição de tensão residual com a perda de compressão nas camadas iniciais em relação à superfície jateada. Com o uso da microscopia eletrônica de varredura foi observado a região afetada pelo jateamento por granalhas notando que as regiões plasticamente deformadas se encontram nas mesmas regiões onde ocorre a diminuição da tensão residual compressiva. O perfil obtido pela difração de raios-x fornece as informações necessárias com o propósito de conjugar os efeitos que a microtensão (microdeformação) influenciam na macrotensão (tensão residual). Esta relação foi comprovada pela sobreposição dos resultados encontrados na distribuição da microdeformação da rede cristalina com a tensão residual ao longo da espessura na região plasticamente deformada. Os resultados dos perfis das difrações de raios-x mostraram a existência de anisotropia de tensões entre os planos, geradas por defeitos de empilhamento e pela densidade de discordâncias. Assim sendo, para obter os valores das microtensões devem ser considerados os fatores das constantes elásticas (conforme o módulo das direções) e dos planos cristalográficos. O método aplicado foi o Williamson-Hall modificado. Além deste método outros também foram utilizados, tais como: método de Warren-Averbach e o método Single Line, este aplicando a série de Fourier, porém, ao observar os resultados, nota-se a diferença entre os valores obtidos nas deformações, tanto aos métodos quanto aos planos cristalográficos, porém a ênfase deste trabalho foi dada às características dos perfis da distribuição e não aos valores absolutos. Somando a isto, foi proporcionado o estudo da distribuição do tamanho médio de cristalito ao longo da espessura no perfil das difrações de raios-x e os resultados mostraram que esta distribuição varia de forma inversa a microdeformação. A relação entre o tamanho médio de cristalito e a variação das distâncias interplanares corresponde diretamente a alterações das densidades de discordâncias ocorridas no material que por sua vez estão ligadas às microdeformações da rede cristalina. Como complemento ao trabalho foram analisados o fator de concentração de tensão e ensaios de fadiga do material. O fator de concentração de tensão não variou conforme a utilização das granalhas S330 e S390, ambas sendo aplicadas no mesmo regime de jateamento. Os ensaios de fadiga indicaram que o pré tensionamento aumenta a vida útil nas tensões cíclicas do material estudado. / In the present work, some effects caused by jateamento por granalhas on Cr-Si-V steel have been studied, a process that aims to increase fatigue resistance. For this study the variation of parameters in the process are tools to better understand the mechanisms that influence this property. The parameters used in this work were the variation of the grit and the pre-tensioning of the samples applied in leafs used in automotive springs of chrome silicon vanadium alloy steel (SAE 9254 + V). Initially the evaluation of the residual stress profile was performed by x-ray diffraction using the sen2 method along the thickness in the region where the stress is compressive. The results show an anomalous effect in relation to the characteristic profile of the residual stress distribution with the decrease of compression in the initial layers in relation to the blasted surface. With the use of scanning electron microscopy, the region affected by grit blasting was observed, noting that the plastically deformed regions are located in the same regions where the compressive residual stress decrease. The profile obtained by X-ray diffraction provides necessary information with the aim of combining the effects of microstress (microstrain) on macrostress (residual stress). This relationship was confirmed by the overlap of the results found in the distribution of the microstrain of the crystalline lattice with the residual stress along the thickness in the plastically deformed region. The results of the x-ray diffraction tests show an existence of tensile anisotropy between the planes generated by stacking faults and the dislocations density. Therefore, to obtain the values of the microstress must be considered the factors of the elastic constants and the crystallographic planes. The method applied was the modified Williamson-Hall. Beyound this method, others were also used, such as: Warren-Averbach method and the Single Line method, this applying the Fourier series, however, when observing the results, we can notice the difference between the values obtained in the deformations, however, the emphasis of this work was on the characteristics of the distribution profiles and not on the absolute values. In addition, the study of the distribution of the mean crystallite size along the thickness of the X-ray diffraction profile was provided and the results showed that this distribution varies inversely with microstrain. The relationship between the mean crystallite size and the variation of the interplanar distances corresponds directly to changes in the densities of dislocations occurring in the material, which in turn are linked to the microstrain of the crystalline lattice. As a complement to the work, the stress concentration factor and fatigue tests of the material were analyzed. The stress concentration factor did not change according to the use of the S330 and S390 grit, both being applied in the same blasting regime. Fatigue tests indicated that pretensioning increases the useful life of the cyclic stresses of the material studied.

Ball milling has been shown to produce nanostructures in metal powders through severe repetitive deformation. Ball milling at cryogenic temperatures (cryomilling) is more effective in this capacity due to the low temperature by slowing recovery and minimizing diffusion distances between different components. Nanostructured metals are of interest because of their unique physical and mechanical properties. The result of cryomilling is powder consisting of crystallites on the order of 30 – 50 nm. In order to characterize the properties of this material, it is often necessary to consolidate the powder, which is often difficult without causing significant grain growth. In this work, aluminum-rich and magnesium-rich alloys of varying composition are produced by cryomilling and characterized by x-ray diffraction. A novel consolidation process called high shear powder consolidation (HSPC) is used to densify as-received and as-milled powders with minimal growth. The construction of a cryomill, along with a modification for improving process yield, has provided a platform for the study of nanocrystalline metals. It has been shown that bulk nanocrystalline materials are attainable and that alloy composition influences mechanical properties. / Master of Science

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e implementar uma metodologia envolvendo a análise de perfis de difração de raios X (X-ray Line Profile Analysis - XLPA) para o estudo e determinação do tamanho médio de cristalitos e microdeformação em materiais. Para isto houve o desenvolvimento de um programa computacional para facilitar o tratamento dos picos presentes em um difratograma e realizar a deconvolução de perfis através do Método de Stokes para se corrigir a contribuição instrumental nos perfis de difração. Os métodos de XLPA de espaço real estudados e aplicados neste trabalho foram os métodos de Scherrer, Williamson-Hall e Single-Line (ou Linha Única) e o método de Warren-Averbach de espaço de Fourier. Além disso, utilizando-se um modelamento matemático foi possível calcular a distribuição de tamanhos de cristalitos para um caso isotrópico, onde considerou-se a distribuição log-normal e cristalitos com forma esférica. Foi possível demonstrar que a teoria proposta pode ser considerada como uma boa aproximação avaliando-se uma razão de dispersão. As metodologias descritas acima foram aplicadas em dois materiais distintos: na liga metálica Zircaloy-4 e em ZnO. / The objective of this work was to develop and implement a methodology of X-ray Line Profile Analysis (XLPA) for the study and determination of the mean crystallite sizes and microstrains in materials. A computer program was developed to speed up the treatment of diffraction peaks and perform the deconvolution utilizing the Stokes method to correct the instrumental contribution in the X-ray diffraction measurements. The XLPA methods used were the Scherrer, Williamson-Hall and Single-Line methods, which can be called real space methods, and the Fourier space method of Warren-Averbach. Furthermore, considering a mathematical modelling it was possible to calculate the crystallite size distribution, considering the log-normal distribution and spherical crystallites. It was possible to demonstrate the proposed theory can provide reliable results evaluating a dispersion parameter. The methodologies described above were applied in two distinct materials: in the alloy Zircaloy-4 and in ZnO.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e implementar uma metodologia envolvendo a análise de perfis de difração de raios X (X-ray Line Profile Analysis - XLPA) para o estudo e determinação do tamanho médio de cristalitos e microdeformação em materiais. Para isto houve o desenvolvimento de um programa computacional para facilitar o tratamento dos picos presentes em um difratograma e realizar a deconvolução de perfis através do Método de Stokes para se corrigir a contribuição instrumental nos perfis de difração. Os métodos de XLPA de espaço real estudados e aplicados neste trabalho foram os métodos de Scherrer, Williamson-Hall e Single-Line (ou Linha Única) e o método de Warren-Averbach de espaço de Fourier. Além disso, utilizando-se um modelamento matemático foi possível calcular a distribuição de tamanhos de cristalitos para um caso isotrópico, onde considerou-se a distribuição log-normal e cristalitos com forma esférica. Foi possível demonstrar que a teoria proposta pode ser considerada como uma boa aproximação avaliando-se uma razão de dispersão. As metodologias descritas acima foram aplicadas em dois materiais distintos: na liga metálica Zircaloy-4 e em ZnO. / The objective of this work was to develop and implement a methodology of X-ray Line Profile Analysis (XLPA) for the study and determination of the mean crystallite sizes and microstrains in materials. A computer program was developed to speed up the treatment of diffraction peaks and perform the deconvolution utilizing the Stokes method to correct the instrumental contribution in the X-ray diffraction measurements. The XLPA methods used were the Scherrer, Williamson-Hall and Single-Line methods, which can be called real space methods, and the Fourier space method of Warren-Averbach. Furthermore, considering a mathematical modelling it was possible to calculate the crystallite size distribution, considering the log-normal distribution and spherical crystallites. It was possible to demonstrate the proposed theory can provide reliable results evaluating a dispersion parameter. The methodologies described above were applied in two distinct materials: in the alloy Zircaloy-4 and in ZnO.

Conjugated polymers are novel organic electronic materials highly important for organic photovoltaic applications. Charge transport is one of the key properties which defines the performance of conjugated polymers in electronic devices. This work aims to explore the charge transport anisotropy in thin films of P3HT, one of the most common conjugated polymers. Using X-ray diffraction techniques and charge transport measurements, the relation between vertical charge transport through thin P3HT films and structure of the films was established. It was shown that particular orientations of crystalline domains of P3HT, namely face-on and chain-on, are beneficial for vertical charge transport. These orientations provide the efficient pathways for the charges to be transported vertically, either via π-π stacking interaction between the adjacent conjugated chains, or via the conjugated chain backbones. It was also demonstrated that particular orientations of crystallites are favourable for the formation of interconnected percolated pathways providing enhanced vertical charge transport across the film. Deposition of P3HT on most commonly used silicon substrates typically results in the formation of mostly edge-on orientation of crystallites which is unfavourable for vertical charge transport. Nanoimprint lithography was demonstrated as a powerful processing method for reorienting the edge-on crystalline domains of P3HT into chain-on (vertical) orientation. It is also shown that thin P3HT films with preferentially face-on orientations of crystallites can be deposited on graphene surface by spin coating. Using patterning of thin P3HT films by nanoimprint lithography, unprecedentedly high average vertical mobilities in the range of 3.1-10.6 cm2 V-1 s-1 were achieved in undoped P3HT. These results demonstrate that charge transport in thin films of a relatively simple and well-known conjugated polymer P3HT can be significantly improved using optimization of crystallinity,orientation of crystallites, polymer chain orientation and alignment in the films.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-21T19:25:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luis Valerio Prandel.pdf: 10631150 bytes, checksum: 0e039282f135a5275af84e3d9bd6d4ee (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The soil is a complex and heterogeneous medium containing solid, liquid, gases and several organisms. Its solid phase is composed of minerals that present well defined and highly organized chemical composition. Tropical climate soils, classified as hardsetting, are kaolinitic and present low nutrient and organic matter amounts. Nowadays, there is no consensus about these soils hardsetting characteristics. The characterization of physical and chemical properties of these horizons and their granulometric fractions enables the physical, chemical and mineralogical investigation of five hardsetting soils in this study. Spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction with the Rietveld Method were employed. The RM-XRD made possible to quantify and estimate crystallite average size and mineral micro-deformations. Part of these results was associated to Kaolinite, Halloysite, and Goethite isomorphic substitution. The quantitative XRF analyses revealed the content of chemical elements in the soils under study with higher accuracy. The thermal analysis techniques showed that Kaolinite of weathered soils is susceptible to dehydroxylation at lower temperatures. SEM micrographs revealed the particle typical shapes and these results were confirmed through the AFM that estimated the number of crystallites and the average number of kaolinite layers in the clay fraction. Most of the particles observed through microscopic techniques were ascribed to the Kaolinite, and their micromorphological characteristics could be compared to crystallite size and microdeformations obtained through the RM-XRD. Therefore, based on the results of spectroscopic, microscopic, thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction with Rietveld Method, it was possible to understand the several degrees of crystallinity of minerals which are part of the granulometric fractions of hardsetting horizons in kaolinitic soils. / O solo é um meio complexo e heterogênio de sólidos, líquidos, gases e diversos organismos. A fase sólida é composta de minerais que apresentam composição química definida e altamente ordenada. Solos de clima tropical, classificados como coesos são cauliníticos e apresentam baixa quantidade de nutrientes e matéria orgânica. Atualmente não se chegou a um consenso sobre o caráter coeso desses solos. A caracterização das propriedades físicas e químicas desses horizontes e de suas frações granulométricas possibilita uma investigação física, química e mineralógica de cinco solos coesos de estudo desse trabalho. Para isso foram utilizadas técnicas espectroscópicas, microscópicas, de análises térmicas e Difração de raios X com método de Rietveld. Com os resultados de MR-DRX foi possível quantificar, estimar o tamanho médio de cristalitos e microdeformações dos minerais. Parte desses resultados foram associados com a substituição isomórfica na Caulinita, Haloisita e Goethita. As análises de FRX quantitativas revelaram maior acurácia o teor de elementos químicos nos solos estudados. As técnicas de análises térmicas mostraram que as Caulinitas de solos intemperizados são susceptíveis a desidroxilação a menores temperaturas. Micrografias por MEV revelaram os formatos típicos de partículas e esses resultados foram confirmados por meio da AFM que estimou a quantidade de cristalitos e o número médio de empilhamento das camadas de Caulinita na fração argila. A maior parte das partículas observadas nas técnicas microscópicas foi atribuída a Caulinita, sendo que suas características micromorfológicas puderam ser comparadas com tamanho de cristalitos e microdeformações obtidos pelo MRDRX. Assim, com base nos resultados das análises espectroscópicas, microscópicas, térmicas e de difração de raios X pelo método de Rietveld foi possível compreender os diversos graus de cristalinidade dos minerais que compõem as frações granulométricas de horizontes coesos de solos cauliníticos.