SYSTEMATIC PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF SETS OF CALIBRATION STANDARDS FOR X-RAY-FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS OF CERAMIC MATERIALS

A systematic procedure for the preparation of optimized sets of calibr ation solid standards for the x-ray fluorescence analysis of ceramic m aterials is described. The matrix of the contents of the N analytes in the n standards (n greater than or equal to N) is calculated from an n x N experimental design matrix, and from the upper and lower limits of the calibration range for each of the N analytes. Two procedures, w hich are useful for taking into account analyte interactions, are prop osed for constructing the experimental design matrix, i.e. the scroll procedure and the procedure of the centers. A program developed to hel p the analyst in designing and preparing the set of standards followin g the proposed procedures is also presented. The program includes seve ral options of practical interest, e.g. replacement of some of the N m etal oxides and salts by certified reference materials in the matrix o f the contents, in order to imitate the sample matrix: better without altering the composition of the standards, and recalculation of the ac tual composition of the standards from the weights taken during prepar ation. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.