XRF Analysis in industrial ceramics product testing
Ceramics can be divided into two distinct categories, namely traditional and advanced. The traditional range of ceramic materials is clay based and includes finished items such as porcelain, bone china tea cups, bricks, kiln linings, etc. The advanced category includes Zirconia, reinforced silicon carbide, and these materials are used where a high temperature resistance is required, for example in gas burner nozzles or engine turbine blades.
Production of a ceramic material involves heating and mixing raw materials. To ensure the correct properties of the finished material, tight quality control of the chemical composition of the raw materials, intermediate and finished product are required for both shipment to specification and cost-effective manufacture.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a widely used and well accepted analytical technique used to measure ceramic materials. There are many benefits associated with analysis by XRF including; minimal or no sample preparation, rapid non-destructive analysis, easy of use, operation by production staff, no potentially dangerous chemicals, etc
The Lab-X3500 is the simplest, multi-element analyser typically measuring Al, Mg, Si, S, K, Ca and Fe in a range of ceramics. The sample is either measured “as-received”, or a simple grind and pressing technique produces a flat disc for multi-element analysis.
The X-Supreme8000 performs comprehensive multi element analysis, with the addition of elements (such as Zirconium, Strontium etc) and includes a 10 position sample carousel for unattended operation and an integrated PC for storage of results. Samples are measured as above or fused into a glass bead for highest accuracy.
The MDX1000 is a simultaneous Wavelength Dispersive XRF instrument analysing the minerals in the fastest possible time, with an optional 72 position auto-sampler.
All Oxford Instruments XRF analysers ensure accurate repeatable results, together with reliable, robust hardware, powerful, flexible software and simple operation carried out on a 24/7 basis.