Determination of silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide and ferric oxide in laterite by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

The determination method of SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ in laterite by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) was established with the mixture of anhydrous lithium tetraborate and lithium metaborate (m/m=67:33) as flux and melting method for sample preparation. The selection and dosage of antisticking agent was discussed. The effect of ignition loss was investigated and the corresponding correction procedure was selected. The calibration curve was plotted with national standard sample and artificially synthesized standard sample, and the linear range was wide. This method was applied to the analysis of laterite standard sample and actual sample, and the determination results were consistent with the certified and those obtained by chemical method, which could meet the measurement requirements of SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ in laterite.