Cement Analysis by the Pressed Powder Method on Benchtop WDXRF According to ASTM C114-11
Cement is one of the most important materials for construction. ASTM C114-11 covers chemical analysis of hydraulic cement. XRF spectrometry is used for chemical composition analysis of cement due to its simple sample preparation and high precision. This application note demonstrates quantitative analysis for Portland cement by the pressed powder method according to ASTM C114-11 on the Rigaku Supermini200, a benchtop sequential wavelength dispersive XRF spectrometer.
The 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award
February 15th 2025Benjamin T. Manard has won the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award for his pioneering research in nuclear material characterization and isotope ratio analysis, with expertise in advanced atomic spectrometry techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and laser ablation.
Applications of Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Food and Agricultural Products
January 25th 2025In recent years, advances in X-ray optics and detectors have enabled the commercialization of laboratory μXRF spectrometers with spot sizes of ~3 to 30 μm that are suitable for routine imaging of element localization, which was previously only available with scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). This new technique opens a variety of new μXRF applications in the food and agricultural sciences, which have the potential to provide researchers with valuable data that can enhance food safety, improve product consistency, and refine our understanding of the mechanisms of elemental uptake and homeostasis in agricultural crops. This month’s column takes a more detailed look at some of those application areas.
Best of the Week: Seed Vigor, Flower Classification, Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy
January 10th 2025Top articles published this week include two peer-reviewed articles that explore optical detection technology for seed vigor and classifying flowers, as well as a profile on Benjamin Manard, who was recognized as the winner of the 2025 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy.
