Nondestructive Elemental Analysis of Historical Materials (Old Metal Specimens) by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

User Benefits

�- Precious materials can be analyzed nondestructively without damage. �- Quick analysis of elements contained in samples in various forms is possible. �- The fundamental parameters method (FP method) enables quantitative analysis without using standard samples.

Introduction

The energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDX) enables quick and nondestructive elemental analysis of analysis targets. Nondestructive analysis, as its name implies, is a class of analysis techniques which are used to analyze the properties of analysis targets without decomposition or destruction of the sample. Needs for this type of analysis exist in all fields, including foods, materials, and medicinal drugs. Among fields of analysis, nondestructive analysis by X-ray fluorescence is used in research on cultural and historical materials, in which precious materials are handled. Here, a composition analysis of four metal specimens from Japan’s early Meiji Era (late 19^th century) provided by the International Research Center for Japanese Studies was carried out using an EDX-7000 to investigate the scientific level in that period. In spite of remarkable surface corrosion of the metal specimens used in the analysis, the main component metals were clarified and their purity levels were determined.

April 30, 2021 GMT