Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The X-ray diffraction texture equipment is essential for the realization of all our research projects related to texture and many other applications of X-ray diffraction. The applicant arrived to University of Saskatchewan in August 2009 with a task to establish new research program where texture investigation play an important role and do not have any research equipment at present. The texture program is expected to create novel tools for texture investigations and microstructural imaging at Canadian Light Source (CLS). Co-applicants of this proposal are interested in using the system in the research areas that often represent novel applications of X-ray diffraction, like deterioration of materials used in road construction under heavy tracks traffic, or to evaluate effect of structure after thermal exposure on tensile strength, vapor permeability of firefighters protective clothing, and in many other important projects. There is no texture diffraction system in western Canada and if available at University of Saskatchewan it is expected to generate support for industry, novel interesting applications and also support the construction of unique texture system at CLS. The X-ray diffraction texture system will allow the applicant to continue research already initiated for companies like Cameco Inc., Avraz Inc. and TransCanada Pipelines. Also, it will allow to continue the collaboration with the scientists from several universities in Japan, USA, Mexico, Korea and Poland.