Preparing fused beads for XRF analysis involves a series of meticulous steps to ensure the sample is accurately represented. This method is particularly effective for reducing mineralogical or matrix effects, leading to more precise analyses.
How are XRF Fused Beads Prepared? 4 Key Steps Explained
1. Sample Preparation
The sample is ground to a particle size of less than 75 µm. This ensures uniformity and facilitates dissolution in the flux.
2. Mixing with Flux
The finely ground sample is mixed with a flux, typically lithium tetraborate or a tetraborate/metaborate mixture, at a ratio of 5:1 to 10:1. This high ratio helps in dissolving the sample completely and creating a homogeneous mixture.
3. Heating
The mixture is heated in a platinum crucible to temperatures between 900°C and 1000°C. This high temperature is necessary to melt the flux and dissolve the sample, ensuring a uniform distribution of elements.
4. Casting
The molten mixture is then poured into a mold with a flat bottom, where it solidifies into a glass disc or fused bead. This bead is a homogeneous representation of the sample, free from any mineral structures.
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