The mathematical correction of matrix effects in the analysis of soda-lime-silica glasses by X.R.F.

Abstract

The accurate analysis of materials over a wide range of compositions by X-ray fluorescence techniques (X.R.F.) requires an effective method for the correction of absorption effects within the sample due to variations in the composition of the matrix. A mathematical method of correcting for these matrix effects based on tabulated values of the mass absorption coefficients of elements has been evaluated on a series of soda-lime-silica glasses containing the oxides of sodium, calcium, silicon, aluminium, magnesium, potassium, iron. zirconium, titanium, arsenic, sulphur and antimony. The method proved effective for all except the last four elements but in all cases the X.R.F. results compared favourably with the analysis obtained by standard chemical methods. Other sources of error were considered to be present for sulphur and antimony and a second correction for the influence of calcium proved to be effective in the case of antimony.