X-ray fluorescence spectrometry of copper intermediates

Iron, magnetite, copper, copper(II) oxide, calcium carbonate, sulphur, silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide as components of copper intermediates (concentrates, slags, mattes, calcines and fluxes) in powdered (300-400 mesh) binary mixtures obey the Lachance-Traill equation, so the coefficients alpha(AX) of interelement effects can easily be determined experimentally. They show a reasonable agreement with the theoretical values calculated from mass absorption coefficients. This fact can be the basis of a convenient routine method for the determination of intermediates. Since the intermediates exhibit differences in the distribution of their atoms (microcosmic inhomogeneity) a correction factor k(dist) has to be used. Its value for the main components (concentrations > 5%) is in the range 0.92-1.24 The highest relative average deviation of the results from those of the classical "wet" methods is 2.7% for the major and 30% for the minor components.