Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials
Published on: January 25, 2012
Visualising Geopolymerisation Processes Using Scanning X-Ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Microscopy
Grant A van Riessen1, Gerard N Hinsley1,2, Cameron M Kewish1,3
1Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia.
Abstract:
In situ observation of the dissolution of metakaolin followed by the condensation of geopolymer was performed by a combination of synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy and scanning X-ray diffraction microscopy. New insight into the complex geopolymerisation process was obtained by simultaneously acquiring compositional and morphological information. The combination of selected alkali and experimental conditions produced a geopolymer with the targeted composition but resulted in the complete and rapid dissolution of metakaolin followed by immediate geopolymer formation. The geopolymer microstructure continued to evolve, along with pore growth, over several hours.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Overview of Microscopy Techniques

