Characterization of Microstructure and Crystallographic Texture of Silicate and Phyllosilicate Ceramics

We illustrate the x-ray Combined Analysis approach capabilities in characterizing silicates and phyllosilicates for samples exhibiting crystallographic textures. Two mullite composite ceramics, one elaborated under uniaxial pressure the other under centrifugation, and one uniaxially pressed montmorillonite aggregate, are studied in terms of texture, cell parameters and phase contents. Several weak texture components are present in the mullite samples, combinations of planar- and fibre-like textures. The methodology is able to take account of the amorphous silica-like matrix of the composite, and cell parameters and structure of mullite correspond to the commonly modelled used for this phase. The montmorillonite turbostratic phase is correctly reproduced with its fibre texture, eventhough minor phases are also present and modelled in the aggregate.