A TAYLOR-SERIES MODEL TO EVALUATE THE INTERELEMENTAL EFFECTS IN X-RAY-FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS, APPLIED TO THE IRON-ZIRCONIUM-DILUENT SYSTEM

A semi-empirical model has been developed to quantify the interelement al effects in X-ray fluorescence analysis. The measured X-ray fluoresc ence intensity has been expressed as a function of the different fluor escence elements composing the sample. This complex function has becom e an operative function via a Taylor series development. An explicatio n has been given for the significance of the different terms of the se ries. These terms respond to mathematical functions known as character istic functions for each chemical system. A parameter (B) has been def ined which makes it possible to quantify the influence of the interele mental effect as a function of the analyte concentration (C) and that of the concomitant elements. The proposed model has been applied to th e Fe-Zr-diluent chemical system. Simple relationships between B vs C h ave been obtained independently considering iron or zirconium as analy te.