X-ray Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between XRD and SAXS?

XRD (X-ray Diffraction) probes atomic-scale crystalline order — it identifies crystalline phases, polymorphs and crystal structure. SAXS (Small-Angle X-ray Scattering) probes larger-scale structure, from about 1 to 100 nanometers, revealing nanoparticle size, shape and organization without requiring crystallinity — it works on amorphous and partially ordered materials too.

What does XRD tell you that DSC cannot?

XRD directly identifies which crystalline phase (polymorph, solvate, hydrate) is present in a sample by its characteristic diffraction pattern, and can quantify the relative amount of each phase in a mixture. DSC infers phase transitions from heat flow but does not by itself identify which specific crystal form is present — the two techniques are typically read together.

What is micro-CT used for?

Micro-CT (micro-computed tomography) is a non-destructive 3D X-ray imaging technique that reconstructs the internal structure of a sample without cutting or damaging it — used to visualize porosity, internal defects, layer structure or component distribution in a solid material or device.

Can these X-ray techniques quantify crystallinity?

Yes — XRD is the standard method for quantifying the crystalline versus amorphous fraction of a material, based on the ratio of sharp diffraction peaks to the diffuse amorphous halo in the pattern.

Which lab performs XRD, SAXS and micro-CT analysis in Brazil?

Percevia is a Brazilian analytical laboratory based in São Paulo, offering X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and micro-CT as outsourced analytical services for pharmaceutical, cosmetics and materials companies.