Determination of Nb in ZrO2 matrix using Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) technique

A Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) method is described for the estimation of niobium in ZrO2 matrix in the concentration range of 0.5 to 35%. Analysis of Nb is desired during the reclamation of zirconium from Zr-2.5% Nb scrap. Zr-2.5% Nb is used in water cooled nuclear power reactors on account of high creep resistance and strength. For the reclamation of these metals from the scrap, chlorination is done to produce mixed chloride. The mixed chloride is treated to obtain individual chloride for eventually converting to respective metal. Analysis is required to ascertain purity of these metals reclaimed from the scrap. Primary x-rays from gold target x-ray tube were used to excite the K lines of Nb. A linear relation has been found between the intensity of Nb-Kα1,2 line and concentration in the above range and the detection limit was 0.03% for 10 seconds counting time. (author)