Quantitative Analysis of FeMo Alloys using Lithium Tetraborate Fusion Technique by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract

A quantitative analysis method of molybdenum in FeMo alloys by X-ray spectrometry using borate fusion technique was proposed. Homogeneous glass disks were prepared under the following conditions: lithium tetraborate as flux with sample dilution (1:33), with the addition of lithium nitrate (LiNO3) as oxidizer by slow heating from 888 to 1123?K for 45?min followed by fusion at 1273?K for 3?min in an O2-blowing atmosphere. The complete pre-oxidation of FeMo alloys by adding oxidizer and by employing O2-supplying apparatus was ascribed to the reproducible preparation of homogeneous fused glass disks. Nine FeMo standard materials were employed to establish the XRF calibration curves for Mo and Fe. The calibration curves were used in the quantitative analysis of standard materials and unknown plant samples with satisfactory precision and accuracy, considering the matrix effects and line overlap corrections. It is believed that the newly proposed method of preparing fused glass disks of FeMo alloys employing an automated fusion system can replace the conventional preparation requiring the labor intensive and time consuming procedure.