The Analysis of Small Glass Fragments Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

Two methods are described and compared for the X-ray fluorescence analysis of glass fragments weighing between 2 mg and 100μg. In one of the methods fragments were attached to a specially constructed microsample holder and examined directly, while in the other the glass was ground in an agate mortar and dispersed on a ‘Millipore’ filter pad. Groups of glass samples, weighing 200μg and having similar refractive indices, were taken from windows and other sources and examined by both methods. Excellent discrimination between the window and non-window glasses and between the non-window glasses themselves, was obtained by both methods. Analysis of the dispersed samples was more precise than analysis of the fragments and this resulted in improved discrimination within the groups of window glasses. A combination of the two methods of sample presentation should provide an effective approach to the classification and discrimination of glasses which have the same refractive index.