Versatility of XRF

05 Jan 2012

One of the tools available at our Technology Centre is an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer. XRF is an extremely versatile technique for performing compositional and structural analysis of a wide range of materials and material combinations.

For our clients from the electronics sector, there are a wide range of applications for XRF including checking for RoHS compliance, ensuring “lead-free” really is, measuring plating thickness and evaluating material composition.

However XRF is used in a much broader range of applications and the following is just a small cross-section:

• Elemental analysis of antique paints; see for example http://citypaper.com/arts/stage/mary-sebera-senior-painting-conservator-at-the-bma-1.1249531
• Assay of gold and other precious metal jewellery; is it really 14K gold?
• Concentration of heavy elements in pharmaceuticals
• Analysis of fire retardants in plastics

XRF is a very powerful technique and here at Electronics Yorkshire, we have the equipment and the expertise to properly utilise it for the benefit of our clients.