Correction parameters in X-ray fluorescence analysis applying the limit dilution method (LDM). Pt. 2

This paper is a study of the interelemental effect and its correction based on the mathematical model used to develop LDM in XRF analysis. A 'compensation coefficient' is defined which is obtained from the quotient of the mass absorption coefficients of the problem and the standard (μs*/μp*). This coefficient compensates the effects produced by interactions between the analyt and the interferences and therefore acts as a correction factor for the interelemental effect within this theoretical model. The model itself establishes a simple relation of the 'compensation coefficient' and the Y/H correction parameters for the unknown and the standard. An algorithm is proposed for calculating the 'compensation coefficient' following an algebraic procedure. The proposed method has been applied to XRF analysis of samples consisting of iron and zirconium mixtures and clays. In all cases a satisfactory correction of the interelemental effect has been achieved. (orig.)