Elemental Analysis of Chemically Modified Cotton Textiles

Abstract
X-ray fluorescence has been applied to the analysis of a wide variety of chemically treated cotton textiles. Sample-preparation techniques suitable for the determination of elements heavier than Na have been developed, and the effect of fabric structure on counting rate has been investigated. Selected examples of results obtained in the analysis of some 20 elements applied to cotton fabrics are given. The problem of particle size when the element is in the form of pigment is discussed.