This test method allows direct determination of the proportion of some individual phases in cement or portland-cement clinker. Thus it provides an alternative to the indirect estimation of phase proportion using the equations in Specification C150 (Annex A1).

This test method assumes that the operator is qualified to operate an X-ray diffractometer and to interpret X-ray diffraction spectra.

This test method may be used as part of a quality control program in cement manufacturing.

This test method may be used in predicting properties and performance of hydrated cement and concrete that are a function of phase composition.

QXRD provides a bulk analysis (that is, the weighted average composition of several grams of material). Therefore, results may not agree precisely with results of microscopical methods.

1.1 This test method covers direct determination of the proportion by mass of individual phases in portland cement or portland-cement clinker using quantitative X-ray (QXRD) analysis. The following phases are covered by this standard: alite (tricalcium silicate), belite (dicalcium silicate), aluminate (tricalcium aluminate), ferrite (tetracalcium aluminoferrite), periclase (magnesium oxide), gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate), bassanite (calcium sulfate hemihydrate), anhydrite (calcium sulfate), and calcite (calcium carbonate).

1.2 This test method specifies certain general aspects of the analytical procedure, but does not specify detailed aspects. Recommended procedures are described, but not specified. Regardless of the procedure selected, the user shall demonstrate by analysis of certified reference materials (CRM's) that the particular analytical procedure selected for this purpose qualifies (that is, provides acceptable precision and bias) (see Note 1). The recommended procedures are ones used in the round-robin analyses to determine the precision levels of this test method.

Note 1—A similar approach was used in the performance requirements for alternative methods for chemical analysis in Test Methods C114.

1.3 The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards, see Section 9.