PNNL

Abstract

Two XRD sample holders have been designed for use with highly radioactive samples. An injection mold that allows us to produce the holders inexpensively has been constructed for one of the holders. These holders are suitable for single-time use. The ease of use and the disposable nature have resulted in a dramatic reduction in personnel exposure and an uncontaminated XRD unit. A second holder, based on the design of the first, is used to obtain XRD patterns from powders where preferred orientation is an issue and from clays. Both holders result in negligible background, since the sample is essentially levitated in the x-ray beam. This is a benefit over other methods, such as collodion, that introduce significant background to the XRD pattern.