Role of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in process analysis of plastic materials

Abstract

This paper describes work performed in plant laboratories where energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has been applied to a variety of analytical problems associated with plastics compounding. The aim has been to develop XRF procedures which require the minimum of sample pre-treatment. Consideration of the critical depth for each system reflects the need to examine a representative sample. Sensitivity and precision are influenced by choice of analyte line, instrument parameters and sample presentation. Where matrix effects are severe, the method of ratioing to scattered background can be beneficially applied.