X-Ray Fluxes

 

XRF Chemicals provides an extensive range of high purity and premium quality x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction and ICP fluxes.  XRF Chemicals source the highest quality Lithium and Boron compounds from within Australia and around the world to manufacture superior Lithium borate Fluxes.

All fluxes have the following features:
• White anhydrous vitreous powder and granules
• Fused, perfect homogeneity
• Free flowing
• Non dusty
• Controlled particle size distribution
• High density: 1.2—1.4g/cm³
• Low loss of ignition: 0.05% typical
• Low levels of trace elements
• Consistent chemistry

Major fluxes normally carried in stock are available in the compositions shown below:
Flux Type
Composition
Technical Information
Flux LT-100 100% Lithium Tetraborate  
Flux LT35:LM65 35% Lithium Tetraborate, 65% Lithium Metaborate (12:22)
Flux LT50:LM50 50% Lithium Tetraborate, 50% Lithium Metaborate  
Flux LT66:LM34 66% Lithium Tetraborate, 34% Lithium Metaborate  
Flux LM-100 100% Lithium Metaborate  
Flux ST-100 100% Sodium Tetraborate  

The following oxidisers and/or release agents are often added to x-ray flux as requested by our customers:
• Potassium Bromide & Lithium Bromide
• Sodium Nitrate & Lithium Nitrate
• Ammonium Iodide, Lithium Iodide & Lithium Fluoride.

XRF Chemicals uses state of the art mixing and multi stage splitting equipment to integrate non wetting agents, oxidizers or both into our x-ray fluxes, when requested by our customers,  XRF Chemicals can also produce large homogeneous batches of x-ray flux up to 1000kg on request.

Many other types of x-ray flux compositions are made by XRF Chemicals, including Lanthanum based fluxes, Sodium based fluxes and Fluoride based fluxes.  XRF Chemicals can make all x-ray flux formulations to any individual customers’ requirements.  Please contact us and let our dedicated staff assist you in meeting all your x-ray flux needs.

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General Suggestions for X-Ray Flux Use
LT100 – Lithium tetraborate 100%

This flux is classified as “acidic” and is generally used for higher concentrations of basic oxide samples or for samples containing high proportions of limestone. This flux is not suitable for highly acidic samples. A major disadvantage of this flux is the relatively high melting temperature (925 degrees C) which causes accelerated wear on platinum apparatus and fusion equipment. In most parts of the world, this flux is being replaced by the later eutectic pre fused mixtures of lithium tetraborate/lithium metaborate, which give very satisfactory results with significantly lower melting temperatures, thereby prolonging platinum labware life and fusion apparatus.

66:34 – Lithium tetraborate 66% / lithium metaborate 34%

This eutectic flux is more “alkaline” than the LT100 above and is more suitable for alumino-silicates and calcareous refractories. The melting temperature is 875 degrees C. This flux is used extensively in Europe and is very similar in application and properties to the 50:50 flux used in the US.

12:22 – Lithium tetraborate 35.3% / lithium metaborate 64.7%

This eutectic flux is “alkaline” and has universal application particularly for alumino-silicates and more acidic oxides. It is generally less prone to cracking and is suitable for most materials such as iron ore, mineral sands, cement, nickel ore and general laboratory analysis. The melting temperature of this flux is significantly lower than the above fluxes at 825 degrees C and the life of platinum ware and fusion apparatus is therefore prolonged by using this flux. This flux formula was originally developed in Australia and is used exclusively by the iron ore, mineral sands, uranium, nickel and cement industries in Australia.

All the above x-ray fluxes are pre fused, completely homogeneous and have high density and controlled particle sizing.

XRF Chemicals have developed internal standard fluxes which have shown to give very high precision results for the analysis of nickel, iron ore and copper. In some instances, the use of internal standards can eliminate the need to carry out high temperature “loss of ignition” with significant cost and time benefits.

All fluxes can have additives added post fusion at extra cost e.g.

Lithium nitrate oxidising agent 1 - 4%
Sodium nitrate oxidising agent 5 - 20%
Lithium bromide release agent 0.1 - 0.5%
Lithium iodide release agent 0.1 - 0.5%

For greater efficiency in releasing melted flux from the platinum crucible, XRF Chemicals Pty Ltd manufacture ammonium iodide release agent tablets (21 mg each) which are available in bottles of 1500.

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Significant advantages of using XRF Chemicals X-Ray Fluxes

One of the main advantages of using XRF Chemicals fluxes (as above) is that the particle size distribution and structure is such that the sample to be analysed occupies the interstitial spaces of the flux, thereby enabling the flux particles to be intimately associated with the sample to be fused. As the flux/sample mixture interface melts, the melted dissolved material is held in suspension and this dissolved material melts evenly during the heating cycle. This even fusion throughout the heating cycle eliminates any tendency for un-dissolved sample material migrating to the base of the fusion crucible which can result in an incompletely fused amorphous mass (sample rich sludge) at the base of the crucible.

Because of the controlled structure of the flux particles described above, oxidizing and release agents, when added, are homogeneously dispersed and trapped throughout the flux and during the liquefaction cycle exert an even effect on the sample being fused.

Intimate association of the sample and flux has been shown to significantly decrease the standard deviation of analytical results, i.e. greater precision.

All XRF Chemicals x-ray flux particles have had surface tensions removed thereby eliminating spitting in the fusion crucible which can lead to inaccuracies.

All fluxes are packed in internally sealed containers to reduce any potential moisture absorption during storage. 

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Contact us about X-Ray Fluxes