Researchers have explored the phase diagram of zinc under high pressure and high temperature conditions, finding evidence of a change in its structural behaviour at 10 GPa. Experiments profited from the brightness of synchrotron light at ALBA and Diamond. These results can help to understand the processes and phenomena happening in the Earth’s interior.
An international team of researchers has restudied the hydration of alite, the main component of ubiquitous Portland cement. Using a multitechnique approach including synchrotron Pair Distribution Function analysis, they have been able to show that C-S-H gel is composed of defective clinotobermorite nanoparticles within a monolayer calcium hydroxide soup. The results are published today in Scientific Reports.
Scientists from University of Isfahan in Iran have analysed in the ALBA Synchrotron how were made ancient Iranian glass objects that date back to 2.500 BC. These decorative glass pieces were excavated from the ziggurat of Chogha-Zanbil, a type of stepped pyramidal monument, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
X-ray microdiffraction experiments were done in the MSPD beamline of the ALBA Synchrotron to determine the crystalline structure of chladniite.
Theoretical and experimental studies have tested the high-pressure and high-temperature behavior of thallium, a heavy and toxic metal which is important for its role in technological applications and basic science. X-ray diffraction analysis was done at the MSPD beamline of the ALBA Synchrotron up to 125 GPa, doubling the pressure range of previous experiments. Results have been published in the Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter.
