[Diffractometric analysis of non-pulverized coherent materials]

The paper presents an initial series of results of diffractometric assays, carried out by directing an X-ray beam on glossy sections of coherent, rigid materials (asbestos-cement blocks, insulation panels, ceramic tiles). The study, which is an introduction to another concerning crystalline rocks, is aimed at assessing the possibility of increasing the diffracted intensities, using samples with high mass concentration, avoiding the consequences of loss of crystallinity following extremely fine grinding, which is considerable especially when compounds having very different mechanical resistance and elastic modulus are simultaneously present. The assays carried out demonstrated the validity of the method for qualitative analysis, whereas in quantitative terms the diffracted intensities were mainly increased (up to 40%), but not in a manner directly connected with the type and macro- and microscopic structure of the compounds under study. Thus, the method guarantees an effective increase in sensitivity only in certain cases.