QUANTITATIVE

ANALYSIS BY X- RAY
FLUORESCENCE
X- ray fluorescence
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of
characteristic "secondary" (or fluorescent)
X-rays from a material that has been
excited by bombarding with high-energy
X-rays or gamma rays. The phenomenon is
widely used for elemental analysis and
chemical analysis, particularly in the
investigation of metals, glass, ceramics
and building materials.
X-ray fluorescence analysis
Theory
When an element is placed in a beam of x-rays, the x-rays
are absorbed. The absorbing atoms become ionized (e.g.
due to the x-ray beam ejects the electron in the inner shell).
An electron from higher energy shell (e.g., the L shell) then
fall into the position vacated by dislodged inner electron and
emit x-rays or characteristic wavelength.
This process is called x-ray fluorescence
Primary x-rays are generated by the source and directed
at the samples surface, sometimes passing through a
filter to modify the x-ray beam.
When the beam hits the atoms in the sample, they react
by generating secondary x-rays that are collected and
processed by a detector.
Theory
The wavelength of fluorescence is
characteristic of the element being
excited, measurement of this
wavelength enable us to identify the
fluorescing element.
Hence measurement of the fluorescence
intensity makes possible the quantitative
determination of an element.
Theory
The process of detecting and analyzing
the emitted x-rays is called X-ray
Fluorescence Analysis.
The energy of the peaks leads to the
identification of the elements present in
the sample (qualitative analysis).
while the peak intensity provides the
relevant or absolute elemental
concentration (semi-quantitative or
quantitative analysis).
EASY TO USE COMPLEX SOFTWARE
Used for SCREENING Used in LAB ANALYSIS
Can give ACCURATE Designed to give
RESULTS when used ACCURATE RESULTS
by a knowledgeable
operator
Primary focus of
these materials
Advantages of X-ray Fluorescent Analysis

Rapid analysis
Nondestructive analysis

No spectrum is affected by chemical

bonding
Easily analysis of the element among

the same family elements

High accurate analysis

Easy qualitative analysis

Easy sample preparation