Analysis of Refractory Materials by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

Abstract

Silica-alumina refractory materials are used as insulation materials in high temperature applications. Such materials are amenable to x-ray analysis (1). Wavelength dispersive x-ray spectrometry is used in our laboratory for the analysis of a variety of refractory materials. An analysis procedure was needed for a quality control project that would provide major and minor element determinations in silica-alumina refractory materials. The requirements for the analysis scheme were relative accuracy and precision to be better than one percent. The method had to be rapid, simple to use, and inexpensive. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry and a borate fusion technique were chosen as the method of choice for this application. Described in this paper are the sample and standard preparation procedures, data reduction methods, and analytical results.