Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2012
A previous paper portrayed sample preparation by fusion methodology and the XRF analysis conditions for the calibration of cement materials [Bouchard et al., 2009. “Global cement and raw materials fusion/XRF analytical solution,” Adv. X-Ray Anal. 53, 263–279]. The results of two well known cement chemical analysis Standard Methods were also presented. These results proved that this robust analytical method is able to qualify by the ASTM C114 [ASTM C114-08 (2008). “Standard test methods for chemical analysis of hydraulic cement,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards Vol. 04.01 (ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA), pp. 150–157)] and ISO/DIS 29581-2 [Draft Standard, 2007-07 (2007). “Methods of testing cement—Chemical analysis of cement—Part 2: Analysis by X-ray fluorescence” ISO/DIS 29581-2, 2007, pp. 1–30]. This robust analytical method was developed using an automated fusion instrument for the sample preparation and a WDXRF spectrometer for the determination of all elements of interest relating to the cement industry. This method was used to prepare finished products, process materials, as well as a very large range of raw materials. The first part of this second paper examines all the XRF analysis conditions for the calibration of the raw materials using the robust fusion sample preparation methodology as well as the numerous reference materials (RMs) used for this analytical application. All interesting results will be presented. The second part of this paper reveals the rapid analytical method results using sample preparation by fusion on nonignited samples. It will also be proven that this faster method, combined with the WDXRF spectrometer, complies with both cement analysis Standard Methods: ASTM C114 and ISO/DIS 29581-2.