XRF Laboratory Capabilities:

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy uses an x-ray source to eject core-shell electrons from an atom to create an excited state. The resulting cascade of electrons to fill the holes results in emission of X-radiation from the atom (fluorescence) that has a characteristic wavelength/energy specific to each element. The fluorescence can be quantified to enable elemental analysis from ppm to percent.

In addition to XRF, the laboratory has a number of thermal analysis instruments for elemental analysis (C, N, S, and O) of a variety of solid samples.

Typical samples analysed by the XRF Lab:

  • soils, rocks and sediments
  • fertilizers
  • oils
  • coals
  • seeds
  • paper products
  • plant tissues
  • foods
  • environmental wastes

Some of our clients:

  • Ceramic producers
  • Glass manufacturers
  • Cement producers
  • Chemical laboratories requiring accurate X-Ray fluorescence analyses
  • Mining and export companies
  • Coal companies
  • Other Universities and Government Departments

Do you plan to use the XRF lab? Contact Irene Wainwright (+612 9385 4282, UNSW Ext. 54282) for all sample service queries. For large numbers of samples researchers may be able to undergo training and induction on selected instruments. A registration form for instrument training is available Here

XRF Partners:

Our XRF laboratory has an industry partner that helps UNSW staff and students experience state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and offers specialised training courses within the Analytical Centre.

PANalytical AXIOS Advanced Simultaneous WDXRF Spectrometer

The PANalytical AXIOS-Advanced WDXRF spectrometer was commissioned in 2010 and is fitted with an SST-mAX x-ray sourcewith a 4kW output and can be operated at 160mA. The resulting high x-ray flux enables high sensitivity and low detection limits for light elements. The AXIOS can measure elements over wide dynamic concentration ranges and include all the elements between Be and U in the periodic table.

The AXIOS uses SuperQ software for standard-based analysis and has a standard-less software module called OMNIAN capable of giving the complete composition and quantification of most types of unknown materials.

Some key features of the AXIOS XRF include:

  • A Hi-Per scint detector which is fast and features excellent linearity up to 3.5 Mcps. This improves results for metals and has a lower background profile for the elemental range Cd-Ru.
  • A multi-function sample changer head which allows pick up of individual samples or samples which are already in cups. Dedicated sample specific trays for expanding capacity. This limits the need for 1 sample cup per sample. Constant feed through design allows samples to be continuously loaded without interrupting the on-going sample batch.
  • A fixed channel dedicated to the analysis of fluorine. This channel allows fluorine to be measured simultaneously while other elements are being measured on the goniometer.

PANalytical PW2400 Sequential WDXRF Spectrometer

Instrument features:

  • Purchased in 1996.
  • High analytical capability for research and industry.
  • 102 position sample changer (unattended operation of large batches of samples).
  • Latest computer software (SuperQ, Uniquant etc).
  • High precision and accuracy.
  • Qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis of a large number of elements, from beryllium to uranium and beyond.
  • Trace element levels often below 1 ppm, major elements up to 100%.

PANalytical MINIPAL 4, EDXRF Spectrometer

Instrument features:

  • Purchased in 2006.
  • 12 position sample changer.
  • Sodium through uranium capability.
  • Improved sensitivity and versatility.
  • Improved software to previous models (Minipal 2).
  • Option of full fundamental parameter model and Compton ratio correction.
  • Fast and reliable.
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  • Standardless program for metal analysis.

LECO TruSpec Analyser: CN Module and S Module

Instrument features:

  • Purchased in 2007 - located in F10:G41 - normally service only, no user training.
  • Rapid analyses (less than 5 mins. Per sample).
  • High accuracy for carbon, nitrogen and sulphur on macrosamples.
  • Improved software for diagnostics and sample reporting.
  • Results on user defined basis or calculated as protein etc.
  • Fully automated, unattended operation.
  • Inorganic or organic samples.

LECO High Temperature NO Thermal Analysis Unit

Instrument features:

  • Purchased in 2010 - located in F10:G43 - normally service only, no user training without special permission.
  • Designed for samples requiring high temperatures to decompose, eg. metals, ceramics.
  • Inorganic or organic samples.

Sample Preparation

Glass discs for major elements are prepared using either of two techniques:

  • Quench pressed 40 mm diameter using Norrish Hutton formulation.
  • Cast beads 40 mm diameter using 1222 and 2212 flux.

Pressed pellets for trace elements 40 mm diameter ( in Al caps or boric acid backed) are prepared using a variety of binders. Tema ring grinder mills are available for crushing and pulverizing rock, soil, ores etc., and amicronising mill is available for small samples.

Authorised by the Manager of Solid State & Elemental Analysis Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre
UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G
ABN: 57 195 873 179
Page Last Updated: Monday, December 12, 2011 3:33 PM