NEX QC—Ti & Fe in Kaolin Clay
Scope
The analysis of titanium (Ti) and iron (Fe) in kaolin clay is demonstrated.
Background
Kaolin clay has many uses, including pottery and ceramics, coated paper, and as an additive in toothpastes and cosmetics. The titanium and iron present affects the color and physical properties of the clay, and must be closely monitored throughout QA/QC processes to ensure proper ratios for each given product type. A fast and simple means of measuring titanium and iron is very important, and Rigaku meets this challenge with the NEX QC benchtop EDXRF analyzer.
Rugged, simple, and intuitive, NEX QC offers analysts or technicians a fast means of monitoring elemental composition with minimal sample preparation._picture_2020.06.25.jpg?width=800&height=610&name=800x610%20NEX%20QC%2B%20(S%20in%20Crude%20screen)_picture_2020.06.25.jpg)
Model: NEX QC
Calibration
Seven kaolin clay samples were used to develop empirical calibrations for Ti and Fe. The results of the calibrations are reported below. Note: The introduction of additional calibration standards, especially in critical analytical ranges (i.e. process targets) may improve analytical accuracy for a given clay product.
Ti Calibration
| Element: Ti Units: % |
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| Sample I.D. | Standard value | Calculated value |
| Standard #1 | 0.395 | 0.397 |
| Standard #2 | 0.46 | 0.46 |
| Standard #3 | 0.66 | 0.66 |
| Standard #4 | 1.16 | 1.16 |
| Standard #5 | 1.38 | 1.40 |
| Standard #6 | 1.56 | 1.53 |
| Standard #7 | 1.89 | 1.90 |
Correlation plot Ti
Fe Calibration
| Element: Fe Units: % |
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| Sample I.D. | Standard value | Calculated value |
| Standard #1 | 0.33 | 0.34 |
| Standard #2 | 0.46 | 0.46 |
| Standard #3 | 0.74 | 0.74 |
| Standard #4 | 0.54 | 0.54 |
| Standard #5 | 0.83 | 0.82 |
| Standard #6 | 0.94 | 0.94 |
| Standard #7 | 0.40 | 0.39 |
Correlation plot Fe
Repeatability
To demonstrate repeatability (precision), two typical calibration standards were selected. Each was measured without moving the sample between measurements.
| Sample I.D.: Standard #3 Units: Mass% |
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| Element | Standard value | NEX QC value | Std. dev (σ) |
| Ti | 0.66 | 0.65 | 0.005 |
| Fe | 0.74 | 0.74 | 0.007 |
| Sample I.D.: Standard #7 Units: Mass% |
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| Element | Standard value | NEX QC value | Std. dev (σ) |
| Ti | 1.89 | 1.87 | 0.011 |
| Fe | 0.40 | 0.39 | 0.005 |
Conclusion
The results show NEX QC provides excellent performance for the measurement of titanium and iron in kaolin clay.
The NEX QC offers a simple and fast means of analysis during the QA/QC process in the production of clay-based products, as well as for screening at the quarry.
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