title: X-ray fluorescence spectrometry of copper intermediates.
abstract: Iron, magnetite, copper, copper(II) oxide, calcium carbonate, sulphur, silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide as components of copper intermediates (concentrates, slags, mattes, calcines and fluxes) in powdered (300-400 mesh) binary mixtures obey the Lachance-Traill equation, so the coefficients alpha(AX) of interelement effects can easily be determined experimentally. They show a reasonable agreement with the theoretical values calculated from mass absorption coefficients. This fact can be the basis of a convenient routine method for the determination of intermediates. Since the intermediates exhibit differences in the distribution of their atoms (microcosmic inhomogeneity) a correction factor k(dist) has to be used. Its value for the main components (concentrations > 5%) is in the range 0.92-1.24 The highest relative average deviation of the results from those of the classical "wet" methods is 2.7% for the major and 30% for the minor components.
authors.affiliation: Analytical Laboratory, Phelps Dodge Corporation, Morenci, Arizona 85540, U.S.A.
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Budesinsky