Fasenanalyse

Fasenanalyse, or phase analysis, is the systematic identification and quantitative evaluation of the phases present in a material or mixture. A phase is a distinct, homogeneous region with uniform chemical composition and physical properties. The purpose of fasenanalyse is to determine which phases exist, their relative abundances, and how processing conditions or environmental factors influence phase stability and distribution. The approach is widely used across materials science, chemistry, geology, and inorganic engineering to understand material behavior and to guide design and quality control.

Common methods include X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement to identify and quantify crystalline phases; electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) for phase mapping; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to study phase transitions and content; Raman and infrared spectroscopy to probe molecular phases; and complementary techniques such as Calphad-based thermodynamic modeling. Phase identification often relies on comparison with reference databases and crystallographic libraries.

Typical workflow involves careful sample preparation, data collection, pattern matching or refinement, and reporting of phase fractions with uncertainties. Challenges include overlapping diffraction peaks, the presence of amorphous content, nano-scale phases, and preferred orientation, all of which can complicate quantification. Accurate fasenanalyse requires appropriate standards, calibration, and expert interpretation.

Applications span cement chemistry, metallurgy, ceramics, polymer blends, and natural geology, where phase composition controls properties such as strength, durability, thermal stability, and behavior under processing. In failure analysis, fasenanalyse helps identify deleterious phases that may cause degradation or failure.