The use of the pseudo-Voigt function in the variance method of X-ray line-broadening analysis

A modified application of the variance method, using the pseudo-Voigt function as a good approximation to the X-ray diffraction profiles, is proposed in order to obtain microstructural quantities such as the mean crystallite size and root-mean-square (r.m.s.) strain. Whereas the variance method in its original form is applicable only to well separated reflections, this technique can be employed in the cases where there is line-profile overlap. Determination of the mean crystallite size and r.m.s. strain for several crystallographic directions in a nanocrystalline cubic sample of 9-YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) has been performed by means of this procedure.