Critical evaluation of the Lotgering degree of orientation texture indicator

Preferred orientation in textured ceramics is often assessed by comparing the relative intensities of x-ray diffraction reflections to those of a randomly oriented ceramic using the Lotgering degree of orientation (f). However, this paper provides evidence that indiscriminate assessments of f can be misleading. Using measured intensities of a modestly textured tape cast bismuth titanate (Na_0.5Bi_4.5Ti₄O₁₅) ceramic, calculated f values vary from 7.4 to 73.2% depending on the reflections included in the calculation. The texture is also quantified by calculating the orientation distribution function (ODF) using measured pole figures. A model is then presented that demonstrates f is nonlinear with the multiple of preferred (00l)-orientations, the standard unit of the 00l pole figure.