Contai n ct ufo
rm s fo
at r mion oreSample preparation
for XRF analysis of
cement and buildingmaterials

The cement industry has been relying on X-ray
fluorescence (XRF) for the elemental analysis of
cement and related raw materials for many years.
Sample preparation by pressing powders into pellets
has been widely used for decades. More recently,
the borate fusion technique has gained popularity
because of its higher accuracy and repeatability.

Therefore, the role of glass disks is extremely importantin setting up reference calibrations for determining
in-house standards for the production of control
calibrations. This can be achieved by using
Malvern Panalytical fusion instruments.

Crushing

It is necessary to grind the material into a fine powder tominimize undesired particle size effects and allow further
processing like pressing or fusion.

Crushing of the material is required to reduce its size andallow further processing such as representative subsampling, homogenization and grinding.

FusionFor applications where accuracy and reproducibility
play a significant role, you can dissolve the sample
into a molten glass-forming flux at high temperatures.
This ultimately results in a completely homogeneous
glass disk. The particle size and matrix effects are theneliminated.
It is difficult to obtain suitable standards that have thesame particle size, mineralogy, surface roughness andsegregation characteristics as the production samples.

www.malvernpanalytical.com

Grinding

Pressing
Pressed pellets are often used in production control,
especially if the calibration ranges are narrow.
You can press pellets into Al cups or steel rings. The useof binders is usually required to achieve the necessary
mechanical stability and robustness. Malvern Panalyticalalso offers the ultra-wax binder to prepare high-quality
pellets for the most demanding applications. This binder(and other consumable products) is available from theeStore for some countries.

Service & Support

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the impossible is possible.

Malvern Panalytical provides the global training, service
and support you need to continuously drive youranalytical processes at the highest level. We help you
increase the return on your investment with us, andensure that as your laboratory and analytical needs
grow, we are there to support you.

Our analytical systems and services help ourcustomers to create a better world. Throughchemical, physical and structural analysis of materials,
they improve everything from the energies thatpower us and the materials we build with, to themedicines that cure us and the foods we enjoy.
We partner with many of the world’s biggest companies,universities and research organizations. They value us
not only for the power of our solutions, but also for thedepth of our expertise, collaboration and integrity.
With over 2200 employees, we serve the world,
and we are part of Spectris plc, the worldleading precision measurements group.

Our worldwide team of specialists adds value to yourbusiness processes by ensuring applications expertise,
rapid response and maximum instrument uptime.
• Local and remote support• Full and flexible range of support agreements• Compliance and validation support• Onsite or classroom-based training courses• e-Learning training courses and web seminars• Sample and application consultancy

Malvern Panalytical. We’re BIG on small™

Malvern Panalyticalwww.malvernpanalytical.comGrovewood Road, Malvern,
Worcestershire, WR14 1XZ,
United Kingdom

Lelyweg 1,7602 EA Almelo,
The Netherlands

Tel. +44 1684 892456
Fax. +44 1684 892789

Tel. +31 546 534 444
Fax. +31 546 534 598

Disclaimer: Although diligent care has been used to ensure that the information in this material is accurate, nothing herein can be construed to imply any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, correctness or completenessof this information and we shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for damages in connection with the use of this material. Malvern Panalytical reserves the right to change the content in this material at any time without notice.
Copyright: © 2021 Malvern Panalytical. This publication or any portion thereof may not be copied or transmitted without our express written permission. PN12731

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