The effect of data quality and model parameters on the quantitative phase analysis of X-ray diffraction data by the Rietveld method

The quality of X-ray powder diffraction data and the number and type of refinable parameters have been examined with respect to their effect on quantitative phase analysis (QPA) by the Rietveld method using data collected from two samples from the QPA round robin [Madsen, Scarlett, Cranswick & Lwin (2001). J. Appl. Cryst. 34, 409–426]. From the analyses of these best-case-scenario specimens, a series of recommendations for minimum standards of data collection and analysis are proposed. It is hoped that these will aid new QPA-by-Rietveld users in their analyses.