Analysis of stainless steel samples by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry

A simple method for the analysis of stainless steel samples is presented wh ich is based on radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence ( EDXRF) spectrometry and does not require any type-standards. Both absorptio n and enhancement effects have been taken into account in the fundamental p arameter method for quantitative analysis and an iterative approach is foll owed for calculation of concentrations in steel samples. Non-linear least s quare fitting (NL-LSF) procedures have been used to determine accurately th e fluorescent peak intensities. The method has been tested by analysing sev eral CRM standard reference samples and 304 and 316 steel samples assuming as unknown. The EDXRF results have also been compared with the results of a nalysis of same samples by vacuum emission spark spectrometry (VES). Obtain ed values for concentration in steel samples match quite well with their ce rtified values.