Crystallographic characterization

Crystallographic characterization allows for the analysis of the internal organization of crystalline materials by determining their atomic structure, crystalline phases, degree of crystallinity, and the possible presence of defects or structural impurities. This analysis, essential for understanding and controlling the mechanical, thermal, optical, and chemical properties of a material, is used in numerous sectors: materials and polymers, the food industry, nutraceuticals, plants, active ingredients, and technical semi-finished products. It constitutes a key step in the formulation, qualification, optimization, and certification of complex products.

Importance of analysis

The properties of crystalline materials derive directly from their internal structure. A variation in the degree of crystallinity can alter the mechanical strength, solubility, stability, chemical reactivity, or bioavailability of an active ingredient. Phase transitions, the presence of polymorphs, crystalline defects, or structural impurities can also influence the final performance of the material or product. Crystallographic characterization therefore makes it possible to: ensure the safety of raw materials used in formulations, verify batch consistency, understand aging phenomena, control the quality of semi-crystalline polymers, qualify nutraceutical or food ingredients, and validate the reproducibility of an industrial process.

Analytical methods

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is the reference technique for determining the crystalline structure of a material. It provides a characteristic diffractogram that allows us to:

• identify the crystalline phases present in a sample
• quantify the degree of crystallinity
• detect phase transitions (partial fusion, structural rearrangements)
• estimate the size of the crystallites using the Scherrer method
• reveal the presence of impurities or polymorphs

XRD can be complemented by other techniques when necessary: ​​electron microscopy to observe crystal morphology, FTIR or Raman spectroscopy to identify molecular structures or confirm observed phases. The combined use of these approaches provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of the material's structural behavior.

Analyzed matrices

This analysis is applicable to a wide variety of matrices: mineral or metallic powders, excipients and nutraceutical ingredients, plant powders, extracts with crystalline structure, semi-crystalline polymers (PE, PP, PA, PET, PEEK…), ceramics, technical materials, pigments, additives, pharmaceutical or food crystals. It allows for the study of both raw materials and finished or semi-finished products.

Interest for professionals

Manufacturers, formulators, researchers, and materials engineers use crystallographic characterization to validate their raw materials, compare different batches, optimize crystallization processes, monitor the consistency of crystalline phases, and prevent structural defects that could impair product performance. In the nutraceutical and food sectors, it helps control the solubility, bioavailability, and stability of active ingredients. In materials science, it allows for the characterization of polymer structure, the control of heat treatments, and the diagnosis of failures. This analysis thus provides a precise and essential view of a material's internal structure.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab collaborates with laboratories equipped with high-performance XRD equipment and recognized expertise in crystallographic analysis. The majority of our partners are certified or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC), guaranteeing the quality and reliability of the results. Depending on your matrix and the information you require, we select the most relevant technique and support you throughout the entire process, from sample submission to results interpretation. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers and engineering firms have relied on YesWeLab to secure their production, control their batches, and gain a deeper understanding of their materials.

Other relevant analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

• FTIR analysis of materials
• Raman spectroscopy
• Electron microscopy (SEM)
• Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA)
• Materials expertise and failure analysis