Analysis of gold and platinum group alloys by x-ray emission:

Abstract

X-ray emission analysis was found to be a precise and fast procedure for analyzing noble metal alloys. Specimens of gold alloys were cast into disks and mounted in methyl methacrylate resin. Adequate surface preparation was obtained by finishing with 600 wet silicon carbide grit. The analytical curves for the elements Cu, Pd, Pt, and Zn were found to be linear with a deviation of less than 0.2$ of the sample. However, a nonlinear relationship existed for the gold and silver content. These discrepancies were found to be an interelement effect due to absorption and enhancement and were corrected by means of a mathematical treatment suggested by Lucas-Tooth and Price to an accuracy of 0.2$. The analysis by x-ray emission was accomplished in approximately one-tenth of the time necessary for conventional wet chemical methods.1.