Search for content and authors
 

The single particles approach of x-ray miroanalysis for estimation a phase composition of altered ilmenite used in pigments production

Marcin T. Klepka 1Zoya Spolnik 2Krystyna Lawniczak-Jablonska 1Maciej Jablonski 3Rene Van Grieken 2

1. Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physics, al. Lotników 32/46, Warszawa 02-668, Poland
2. University of Antwerp, Department of Chemistry, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp 2020, Belgium
3. Technical University, Institute of Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Al. Piastów 42, Szczecin 71 065, Poland

Abstract

To estimate phase and elemental composition of minerals used in industry, we have applied Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) with standard and single particles approach. The quantitative analysis of the phase and elements content in the minerals used for chemical production is very important for the proper adjustment of chemical reactions. The composition of minerals can change depending on the place where they are mined and their phase and elements content is difficult to evaluate using standard approach. The example of ilmenite and titanium slag which are valuable sources of titanium widely used in industry of pigments production will be presented.
From standard powder diffraction pattern it is difficult to estimate quantitatively the content of phases due to overlapping the diffraction peaks and conventional x-ray fluorescence analysis does not measure of low Z-elements content, therefore quantitative element analysis is also difficult.
The optimal conditions for analysis of low Z-elements starting from carbon were selected to get information using EPMA about possible oxidation state of elements in minerals. Standard ZAF correction and single particles analysis were performed. The spectra measured in single particles mode were evaluated by non-linear squares fitting, using AXIL program. The elemental composition in the particles was calculated with an iterative approximation method based on Monte Carlo simulation. Received data were treated by statistical methods. Applying Hierarchical Clustering Analysis, the particles were divided into different groups, based on their compositional similarity and their relative abundances in the sample. The results of standard and single particles EPMA approaches will be compared and discussed.
Acknowledgments
This work was partially supported by the State Committee for Scientific Research (Republic of Poland) (Grant No72/E-67/SPB/5.PR UE/DZ 27/2003-2005) and by G1MA-CI-2002-4017 (CEPHEUS) of the European Commission.

 

Legal notice
  • Legal notice:
 

Related papers

Presentation: poster at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2004, Symposium D, by Marcin T. Klepka
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2004

Submitted: 2004-08-13 13:34
Revised:   2009-06-08 12:55