Easy and fast sample preparation of tricky samples for XRF analysis

In the metal industry, the sample preparation of some samples can be challenging. An inappropriate sample preparation method can lead to inconsistent analytical results and even render the samples impossible to analyze. Take for example copper or zinc concentrate samples containing partly reduced materials. They need to be correctly oxidized during the sample preparation process, otherwise, they will chemically alloy and attack the platinum ware, thus increasing costs. You will also lose time, as you will need to prepare these samples again. Keep in mind that only an optimal fusion method can avoid the loss of important volatile elements (such as sulfur or silver) that are essential to properly characterize the sample.

The application note entitled Determination of silver and volatile elements in metal concentrates samples using lithium borate fusion followed by XRF analysis describes a sample preparation method using Claisse TheOx Advanced instrument that is perfectly suited for these challenging samples. It also leads to precise and reproducible X-ray fluorescence (XRF) results despite the presence of volatile and partly oxidized elements.

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