X-Ray fluorescence analysis is an established technique for non-destructive elemental materials analysis. This book gives a user-oriented practical guidance to the application of this method. The book gives a survey of the theoretical fundamentals, analytical instrumentation, software for data processing, various excitation regimes including gracing incidents and microfocus measurements, quantitative analysis, applications in routine and micro analysis, mineralogy, biology, medicine, criminal investigations, archeology, metallurgy, abrasion, microelectronics, environmental air and water analysis. This book is the bible of X-Ray fluorescence analysis. It gives the basic knowledge on this technique, information on analytical equipment and guides the reader to the various applications. It appeals to researchers, analytically active engineers and advanced students.

The first hands-on guide to XRD and XRF sampling and specimen preparation Systematic errors from poor sampling and improper specimen preparation can easily render X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data of questionable use for analysis. But, until now, the practical information that can help to reduce these errors has never been readily available in one volume. This book fills a vital gap in the literature, bringing together a wealth of material previously available only in workbooks, company manuals, and other inside sources. It provides detailed coverage of the major tasks involved in X-ray analysis - complete with theory, step-by-step methods, equipment suggestions, and problem-solving tips. With a full complement of tools and techniques, this comprehensive guide helps both beginners and experienced analysts to make the best decision on sample treatment and get accurate XRD and XRF results-saving valuable time, money, and effort. Covers X-ray techniques for analyzing biological, geological, metallic, ceramic, and other materials * Addresses all aspects of specimen preparation, including handling unusual or very small samples, liquids and solutions, and more * Features special chapters on specimen preparation equipment and XRF standards * Contains useful bibliography and helpful references.

A Practical Guide from Top-Level Industry Scientists As advanced teaching and training in the development of cementitious materials increase, the need has emerged for an up-to-date practical guide to the field suitable for graduate students and junior and general practitioners. Get the Best Use of Different Techniques and Interpretations of the Results This edited volume provides the cement science community with a state-of-the-art overview of analytical techniques used in cement chemistry to study the hydration and microstructure of cements. Each chapter focuses on a specific technique, not only describing the basic principles behind the technique, but also providing essential, practical details on its application to the study of cement hydration. Each chapter sets out present best practice, and draws attention to the limitations and potential experimental pitfalls of the technique. Databases that supply examples and that support the analysis and interpretation of the experimental results strengthen a very valuable ready reference. Utilizing the day-to-day experience of practical experts in the field, this book: Covers sample preparation issues Discusses commonly used techniques for identifying and quantifying the phases making up cementitious materials (X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis) Presents good practice oncalorimetry and chemical shrinkage methods for studying cement hydration kinetics Examines two different applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (solid state NMR and proton relaxometry) Takes a look at electron microscopy, the preeminent microstructural characterization technique for cementitious materials Explains how to use and interpret mercury intrusion porosimetry Details techniques for powder characterization of cementitious materials Outlines the practical application of phase diagrams for hydrated cements Avoid common pitfalls by using A Practical Guide to Microstructural Analysis of Cementitious Materials. A one-of-a-kind reference providing the do’s and don’ts of cement chemistry, the book presents the latest research and development of characterisation techniques for cementitious materials, and serves as an invaluable resource for practicing professionals specializing in cement and concrete materials and other areas of cement and concrete technology.

Practical Guide to Materials Characterization Practice-oriented resource providing a hands-on overview of the most relevant materials characterization techniques in chemistry, physics, engineering, and more Practical Guide to Materials Characterization focuses on the most widely used experimental approaches for structural, morphological, and spectroscopic characterization of materials, providing background, insights on the correct usage of the respective techniques, and the interpretation of the results. With a focus on practical applications, the work illustrates what to use and when, including real-life examples showing which characterization techniques are best suited for particular purposes. Furthermore, the work covers the practical elements of the analytical techniques used to characterize a wide range of functional materials (both in bulk as well as thin film form) in a simple but thorough manner. To aid in reader comprehension, Practical Guide to Materials Characterization is divided into eight distinct chapters. To set the stage, the first chapter of the book reviews the fundamentals of materials characterization that are necessary to understand and use the methods presented in the ensuing chapters. Among the techniques covered are X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, electron microscopies, magnetic measurement techniques, infrared spectroscopy, and dielectric measurements. Specific sample topics covered in the remaining seven chapters include: Bragg’s Law, the Von Laue Treatment, Laue’s Equation, the Rotating Crystal Method, the Powder Method, orientation of single crystals, and structure of polycrystalline aggregates Classical theory of Raman scattering, quantum theory of Raman spectroscopy, high-pressure Raman spectroscopy, and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy Basic principles of XAS, energy referencing, XPS spectra and its features, Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), and interaction of electrons with matter Magnetization measuring instruments, the SQUID magnetometer, and the advantages and disadvantages of vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) With comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the subject, Practical Guide to Materials Characterization is a key resource for practicing professionals who wish to better understand key concepts in the field and seamlessly harness them in a myriad of applications across many different industries.

This book comprises 96 peer-reviewed contributions submitted to the 10th ICAM Congress, held in Trondheim, Norway on 01-05 August 2011. Themes covered include: 1) Advanced materials, including high-performance technical ceramics and glasses, 2) Analytical techniques, instrumentation and automation, 3) Bio-mimetic mineral materials, medical mineralogy, 4) Construction materials including cement/SCMs, concrete, bricks, tiles, screeds, 5) Cultural heritage, stone artifacts and preservation, 6) Environment and energy mineralogy, including CO2 sequestration, 7) Geometallurgy and process mineralogy, and 8) Industrial minerals including gems, ore minerals, and mineral exploration.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is a well-established analytical technique for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of a wide variety of routine quality control and research samples. Among its many desirable features, it delivers true multi-element character analysis, acceptable speed and economy, easy of automation, and the capacity to analyze solid samples. This remarkable contribution to this field provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of basic principles, recent developments, instrumentation, sample preparation procedures, and applications of XRF analysis. If you are a professional in materials science, analytic chemistry, or physics, you will benefit from not only the review of basics, but also the newly developed technologies with XRF. Those recent technological advances, including the design of low-power micro- focus tubes and novel X-ray optics and detectors, have made it possible to extend XRF to the analysis of low-Z elements and to obtain 2D or 3D information on a micrometer-scale. And, the recent development and commercialization of bench top and portable instrumentation, offering extreme simplicity of operation in a low-cost design, have extended the applications of XRF to many more analytical problems.

Elemental Analysis is an excellent guide introducing cutting-edge methods for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements. Each chapter of the book gives an overview of a certain technique, such as AAS, AFS, ICP-OES, MIP-OES, ICP-MS and XRF. Readers will benefit from a balanced combination of theoretical basics, operational principles of instruments and their practical applications.