ASTM C1605 WDXRF Spectrometry for Chemical Analysis of Ceramic Materials
ASTM C1605 is used for compositional analysis with high sensitivity and accuracy for all the elements in the periodic table heavier than lithium. It determines the chemistry, layers of coatings, film thickness, and elemental composition per unit area by measuring the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the elements in the given whiteware or ceramic sample.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM C1605 describes the determination of the chemical composition of ceramic materials by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry. The WDXRF technique shall provide an accurate and rapid method for the nondestructive analysis of major, minor, and trace oxides in ceramics.
Because mechanical strength, thermal stability, and other durability can vary significantly with minor compositional variations, the most essential uses of ASTM C1605 include material consistency, quality control, and conformance to industry specifications for both raw materials and finished ceramic products.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM C1605 outlines procedures for quantitative chemical analysis of ceramic materials using WDXRF spectrometry.
It evaluates:
- Primary oxide composition (e.g., Al₂O₃, SiO₂, ZrO₂)
- Minor and trace oxides
- Chemical consistency and impurity levels
The method applies to advanced ceramics, refractories, traditional ceramics, and functional or electronic ceramic materials.
Applications
- Raw material verification for ceramic manufacturing
- Quality control of finished ceramic products
- Monitoring batch-to-batch chemical consistency
- Research and development of new ceramic formulations
- Compliance testing with international material standards
Benefits
- Provides high accuracy and reproducibility
- Enables rapid, non-destructive chemical analysis
- Supports process control and formulation optimization
- Detects small compositional changes affecting performance
- Ensures compliance with material and regulatory specifications
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Ceramic samples are crushed and ground, then prepared as pressed pellets or fused beads to ensure homogeneity and minimize matrix effects.
1Instrument Calibration
Calibration is performed using certified reference materials (CRMs), with routine drift correction to maintain analytical accuracy.
2X-Ray Excitation & Detection
Primary X-rays excite the sample, causing emission of element-specific secondary X-rays measured by the WDXRF spectrometer.
3Data Analysis & Reporting
Measured intensities are converted to oxide concentrations using calibration models and matrix corrections, and results are reported against specifications.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Principle | Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry |
| Sample Types | Bulk ceramics, powders, processed ceramic products |
| Preparation Format | Pressed pellets or fused beads |
| Measured Output | Percent (%) composition of oxides and trace elements |
| Calibration | Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) |
| Analysis Type | Non-destructive chemical composition analysis |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Wavelength Dispersive XRF spectrometer
- High-voltage X-ray tube
- Crystal monochromators and detectors
- Sample preparation equipment (grinders, presses, fusion units)
- Analytical software for calibration and matrix correction
Results and Deliverables
- Quantitative oxide composition (% by weight)
- Identification of minor and trace elements
- Detection limits and measurement uncertainty
- Compliance assessment against material specifications
- Data supporting quality assurance, material selection, and process control
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Read Case StudyFrequently Asked Questions
Even small changes in material chemistry can heavily influence sintering behavior, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and product durability.
It applies to advanced ceramics, refractories, electrical ceramics, and traditional clay-based products in either raw or finished form.
The method is considered non-destructive, especially when used on solid surfaces, though some sample grinding may be required.
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