Quantitative X-Ray Powder Diffraction Analysis of Portland Cements: Proficiency Testing for Laboratory Assessment

Abstract

Abstract Quantitative X-ray powder diffraction analysis (QXRD) is being used within the cement industry for phase characterization of hydraulic cement. The current ASTM standard test method for powder diffraction analysis of cements provides guidance, but not an explicit method, for quantifying phase concentrations. The standard utilizes qualification criteria, where an analysis of a set of certified reference materials must fall within stated precision and bias limits. Validation of X-ray powder diffraction analyses by the Rietveld method is particularly important because the normalization inherent in the mass fraction calculations can obscure accuracy problems. Currently, the only certified reference materials for phase abundance are a set of NIST SRM clinkers, which lack the calcium sulfate and carbonate phases found in portland cements. A set of portland cements was distributed to 29 laboratories for analysis according to each lab’s individual protocols. The objective was to provide each lab with quantitative feedback on its precision and accuracy performance. The results from all the labs are presented graphically with Youden plots that incorporate ranking to illustrate relative lab precision and accuracy based upon a consensus mean for each phase and ASTM C1365 performance qualification criteria. Labs that fall outside of the compliance limits are provided with information via the Youden plots to assess their systematic and random error. Proficiency testing of this sort provides participating laboratories with a quantitative assessment of their performance relative to peers using a wider range of materials encompassing the broad spectrum of modern hydraulic cement production. These newer materials may include, for example, the calcium sulfate phases and the limestone additions that have become commonplace in today’s cements. Such a quantitative assessment could be used to qualify laboratories and may be stipulated in a specification.