Analysis of Gold and Platinum Group Alloys by X-Ray Emission with Corrections for Interelement Effects

Abstract
The x-ray emission analysis of noble-metal alloys was investigated critically to determine optimum conditions for accurate analysis. The analytical curves for the elements Cu, Pd, Pt, and Zn were found to be linear with a deviation of less than ±0.2%. However, a nonlinear relationship existed for gold and for silver. These discrepancies could not be eliminated by variation in sample preparation. An interelement effect due to x-ray absorption and enhancement was found and was corrected to an accuracy of 0.2% by means of a mathematical treatment suggested by Lucas-Tooth and Price. The analysis by x-ray emission can be accomplished in approximately one-tenth of the time necessary for conventional wet chemical methods.

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