Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-7cvxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T01:40:28.784Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Volatilization of Sulfur in Fusion Techniques for Preparation of Discs for X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2019

James W. Baker*
Affiliation:
U.S. Geological Survey Box 25046, MS 928, Denver, Colorado 80225
Get access

Extract

The fusion technique for sample preparation for x-ray fluorescence analysis has been proven very successful for a wide variety of sample types. An inherent problem in the fusion technique has been the loss of sulfur during the fusion process. To extend our quantitative major element analysis method for geologic materials we have examined the problem of sulfur volatilization and have tested a variety of fluxes to determine their suitability to quantitatively retain sulfur during fusion, to produce a homogeneous glass disc that is suitable for presentation to an x-ray spectrometer with no additional sample preparation, and to help protect platinumware from attack by sulfide minerals.

Highly oxidizing conditions are necessary both to retain sulfur and to protect platinumware from sulfide attack. Previous researchers have shown that sulfur may be lost under reducing conditions. All of the fusions in this study were performed in an oxidizing environment, using a muffle furnace.

Type
II. XRF Methods: Practical, Mathematical
Copyright
Copyright © International Centre for Diffraction Data 1981

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Taggart, J. E., Jr. and Wahlberg, J. S., New Mold Design for Castin g Fused Samples, in : “Advances in X- ray Analysis, “ Volume 23, p. 257261, (1980).Google Scholar
2. Taggart, J. E., Jr. and Wahlberg, J. S., A new in-muffle automatic fluxer design forcasting glass discs for x-ray fluorescence analysis, Abs. 327a, Federation of Analytical Chemists and Spectroscopy Societies Conference, Sept. 19, 1980.Google Scholar
3. Taggart, J. E., Jr., Lichte, F. E., and Wahlberg, J. S., Analysis of Samples from Mount St. Helens Using X-ray Fluorescence and Induction Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy, in : “The 1980 Eruptions of Mount Sain Helens, Washington,” USGS Professional Paper 1250, In press.Google Scholar
4. Norrish, K. and Hutton, J. T., An Accurate X-ray Spectrographic Method for the Analysis of a Wide Range of Geological Samples, Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta, 33, p. 431453, (1969).Google Scholar
5. Sastry, B. S. R. and Hummel, F. A., Studies in Lithium Oxide Systems: V, Li2O-Li2O-B2O3, Jour. Am. Ceramic Soc., Vol. 42, p. 216218, (1959).Google Scholar
6. Fabbi, B. P., A Refined Fusion X-ray Fluorescence Technique and Determination of Major and Minor Elements in Silicate Standards, Am. Min., 57, p. 232245, (1972).Google Scholar