Absolute Basics of PXRD
- Duration: 4.50 hours for on-demand
- Experience level: Beginners
- Delivery methods: Face-to-face | Offsite training & consultancy | On-Demand | Online | Onsite training & consultancy | Tailored training |
- Type of course: Universal
- Applicable to manufacturer(s):
- CPD Approved: Not yet approved
- Scheduled course price: £270.00 + TAX per delegate
- Course discounts: RSC CAMS HEaTED Cambridge Network TSN members receive a discount on this course
Your beginner’s guide to powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD)
Learn the fundamentals of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), with this beginner‑friendly 1-day classroom-based course for professionals and students. This introductory, analytical chemistry course will cover the what, how, why, where and when of PXRD and will take you through the basics, from learning about the concept of obtaining information on crystalline materials to how PXRD is used to determine the extent of amorphous material present in sample and phase analysis.
Whether you’re stepping into the world of PXRD for the first time, or looking to refresh your technical expertise, this essential training course gives you the knowledge to understand and use PXRD as an analytical tool for phase, crystalline and amorphous content identification. This course breaks down PXRD instrumentation into easy-to-understand concepts, helping you to build skills that you can use in the lab.
Why should I join?
On completion, you will be able to understand what defines PXRD, its typical applications and uses in industries such as polymer characterisation and food materials testing, as well as the sample preparation for PXRD and the fundamental concepts and theory behind the technique.
This PXRD training course gives you:
- A solid understanding of PXRD and its use in determining structural properties
- Clear explanations of PXRD principals and theory
- Insights into PXRD instrumentation from the X-ray source to the detector
- Understanding a diffractogram and the information it can provide in sample analysis
- Familiarity with PXRD terminology including understanding terms such as crystalline, unit cell and amorphous content
- Applications and case studies, exploring PXRD use in pharmaceutical analysis, stability studies, polymorph screening and GMP-compliant analysis
- A great summary of PXRD aided with an acronym glossary
This is your opportunity to understand PXRD and, how it can be used in everyday analytical labs.
Combine other days or modules.
What would I learn?
A beginner‑friendly introductory course focusing on the what, how, why, where and when of PXRD, including:
- What PXRD is
- What defines PXRD and what information it can determine in a sample
- What PXRD instrumentation is available and the names of common parts
- What common terminology is used when discussing PXRD
- How PXRD works
- The core principles behind PXRD and X-ray diffraction
- How PXRD instrumentation functions
- How Bragg diffraction is used in PXRD
- How X-rays are fundamental to PXRD sample analysis
- Why we use PXRD
- The use of PXRD for structural elucidation
- Why PXRD can provide both qualitative and quantitative information using a diffractogram
- Why PXRD is described as non-destructive analysis
- Where PXRD is involved
- Common sample preparation techniques for PXRD ensuring a ‘perfect’ powder and the importance of sample homogenisation
- Where PXRD can aid in the analysis of powders for various uses including quality control, impurity checks and bioavailability studies
- When PXRD is the right choice
- Learn when different PXRD techniques are beneficial such as variable temperature PXRD
- Explore real-life case studies using PXRD and its technique and applications in science and technology
What knowledge will I gain?
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand the principles and concepts of PXRD
- Know the terminology behind PXRD and how to apply it analytical workflows
- Feel confident discussing PXRD, sample preparation, the pro and cons of different PXRD techniques
- Understand diffractograms and what information can be learnt from them
- Understand chemical concepts such as amorphous-to-crystalline transitions as well as the Bragg diffraction and unit cell determination
This course gives you the language and understanding needed to use PXRD in everyday lab life.
Is this course for me?
This training is designed for anyone who needs an introduction to PXRD, including:
- For beginners to PXRD
- Analysts & technicians wanting a clear, structured refresher
- Laboratory or line managers overseeing PXRD within the lab
- Data analysts and report writers who interpret results but don’t use the instruments
- Service and consultant engineers who use PXRD
- Sales, marketing or commercial teams working with PXRD systems, consumables, data or laboratory services
If PXRD touches your work in any way, this well-planned course delivered by experts in the field equips you to understand how to apply this to your everyday work.
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Feedback from previous attendees
“Detailed content, trainer offered advice as well as theory & background information, with plenty of time to answer our questions at the end of the session” QC Analyst, 2026
“Enjoyed the discussion created and was very useful that the course presenter had so much relevant knowledge. Was able to answer a lot of the questions asked and gave good ideas.” Laboratory Quality Lead, 2026
“The knowledge of the instructor was extensive and asking him questions about PXRD and how to determine crystal composition was the highlight of this course. His explanation of concepts like amorphous material was very useful. The explanation of X-ray diffraction and how the XRD machine detects this was also good. The course leader was happy to be interrupted at any stage during the presentation to answer questions and clarify key concepts which is important for a novice to PXRD analysis.” QC Analyst, 2026
