Fusion fluxers are sample preparation instruments for both X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis – both of which enable researchers to accurately assess the elemental composition of solid samples. Quality control of construction materials such as iron and cement can be assessed through XRF analysis, while ICP spectroscopy is available for numerous specialized applications. However, both analytical methodologies require samples to be prepared as either near-homogenous or high-purity heterogenous mixtures to ensure good results accuracy.

Assessing samples without fusion flux preparation can result in significant results inaccuracy, with unfinished solid samples exhibiting surface variations that can interfere with an XRF spectrometer’s calibrati...

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is a sensitive process that enables researchers to observe the elemental composition and concentration of samples non-destructively, but these samples must be carefully prepared to provide actionable data for any application. Granulated powders, for example, may exhibit surface area irregularities that can introduce errors to analytical processes. To acquire better insights into homogenous XRF reactions, researchers commonly prepare samples using glass bead machines.

A glass bead machine uses borate fusion to dissolve oxidized solid sample particles in a flux mixture at temperatures of up to 1250°C (2192°F). The molten mixture is then cast in a mold and cooled to produce seamless sample beads for XRF analysis. These temperatures can be generate...

Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectroscopy is a sensitive chemical analysis method for determining the chemical composition samples using an electromagnetically-charged apparatus. It uses gas flow techniques to collide nebulized liquid samples with extremely hot plasma, and mass spectroscopy equipment to analyze the ionization of gas particles flowing through the plasma channel.

XRF Scientific previously explored the processes and mechanisms of ICP spectroscopy in greater depth, but this article will explore some of the most common ICP applications in more detail:

Trace Element Determination

The primary ICP application is for the atomic determination of trace elements in liquid samples. Ionized particles are measured in an optical sample chamber ...

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