Fusion Flux

XRF Scientific Ltd is the World’s pre-eminent manufacturer of quality, cost effective, borate fluxes. We can provide standard borate fluxes or custom blends to meet your specific needs.

From raw material through to final product our flux uniquely provides the modern laboratory with a quality that enables elemental analysis with limited background interference. The source of our raw material is monitored and provides the basis to consistent and quantitative results.

Our product range delivers you with choice, across the various ratios of Lithium Tetraborate and Lithium Metaborate in both granular and beaded (spherical) form.

XRF Fluxes are non-hygroscopic vitreous particles across both product forms either granular or beaded (spherical). With a density level to ensure the flux in the crucible does not exceed more than 50% capacity and a consistent low LOI (water content <0.04%) that will maintain the sample:flux ratio in line with good analytical results.

All XRF Fluxes are fully analysed and documented across 20 relevant elements providing you, the analyst, with the reassurance of not having to necessarily re-calibrate the spectrometer with each delivery/batch.

Integrated additives such as LiNO3 and NaNO3 support the oxidization consistently and thoroughly. These compounds may be combined with LiI or LiBr as a release / non-wetting agent (NWA) to maintain dependable quantitative results. The end user can be assured that no matter which formulation is used, either with or without additives, the basis to your best practice analytical process will remain constant.

Our stock holdings are maintained at a level to eliminate delays in supply, providing you with the comfort and continuity of production.

• 99.99%+ minimum purity
• Granular or microbeads (spherical) physical forms
• Non-hygroscopic vitreous particles
• High density to ensure the flux stays inside the crucible during agitation processes
• Sodium, barium or lanthanum flux based options
• Customised additive levels: release agents and oxidisers

LT100 (Lithium Tetraborate 100%)

This flux is classified as “acidic” and is generally used for higher concentrations of basic oxide samples or for samples containing high proportions of limestone. This flux is not suitable for highly acidic samples.

A major disadvantage of this flux is the relatively high melting temperature (925 degrees C) which causes accelerated wear on platinum apparatus and fusion equipment. In most parts of the world, this flux is being replaced by eutectic pre fused mixtures of lithium tetraborate/lithium metaborate, which give very satisfactory results with significantly lower melting temperatures, thereby prolonging platinum labware life and fusion apparatus.

Application examples:

• Copper Sulphate
• Calcium Oxide
• Magnesium oxide

66:34 (Lithium Tetraborate 66% / Lithium Metaborate 34%)

This eutectic flux is more “alkaline” than LT100 and is more suitable for alumino-silicates and calcareous refractories. The melting temperature is 875 degrees C.

This flux is used extensively in Europe and is very similar in application and properties to the 50:50 flux used in the US.

Application examples:

• Alumino-silicates
• Calcerous refactories

50:50 (50% Lithium Tetraborate / 50% Lithium Metaborate)

This flux is a general purpose flux formulated for use with neutral samples.

Application examples:

• Alumina

12:22 (Lithium Tetraborate 35.3% / Lithium Metaborate 64.7%)

This eutectic flux is “alkaline” and has universal application particularly for alumino-silicates and more acidic oxides. It is generally less prone to cracking and is suitable for most materials such as iron ore, mineral sands, cement, nickel ore and general laboratory analysis.

The melting temperature of this flux is significantly lower than the above fluxes at 825 degrees C and the life of platinum ware and fusion apparatus is therefore prolonged by using this flux. This flux formula was originally developed in Australia and is used exclusively by the iron ore, mineral sands, uranium, nickel and cement industries.

Application examples:

• Iron Ore
• Nickel
• Cement
• Mineral Sands
• Uranium

LM100 (Lithium Metaborate 100%)

Lithium metaborate, LiBO2, often referred to as the ICP flux. Its melting point is 845 °C; it reacts easily with acidic samples and is therefore called a “basic” flux.

Application examples:

• Wet chemistry

Oxidizers

Oxidizers are added to the flux to help ensure complete oxidation of the sample before fusion takes place.

• Lithium nitrate oxidising agent 1 – 10%
• Sodium nitrate oxidising agent 5 – 20%

Release Agents

Release agents increase the surface tension of the mix. They help the bead release from the platinumware and so prolong its life and reduce cracking.

• Lithium bromide release agent 0.1 – 1.5%
• Lithium iodide release agent 0.1 – 1.5%
• Potassium bromide release agent 0.1 – 1%
• Ammonium iodide release agent 0.1 – 1.5%