Special tablets containing cellulose binder and Sr internal standard for simplifying X-ray fluorescence analysis of powder samples

• Cellulose tablets with SrCO3 as an internal standard for XRF technique were developed.
• SrCO3 is a useful internal standard for various elements in XRF technique.
• Matrix and grain size effect correction with Sr-Kα and -Lα lines in XRF analysis
• Simple specimen preparation using a new tablets for powder samples XRF analysis

The addition of a constant amount of SrCO3 was observed to be the proper internal standard for analysis by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to correct the matrix and grain size effects of many constituents. The weighing of constant amounts of SrCO3, binder and sample allowed for the preparation time for analysis to be extended, and special tablets containing binder and SrCO3 were developed. Several substances were tested as binders, among which microcrystalline cellulose was chosen for further study. The prepared tablets were checked for their weight stability and the repeatability of SrCO3 addition. The tablets were then used to prepare pellets from geological samples for X-ray fluorescence analysis. The exemplary application and calibration curves for several analytes confirmed that the prepared tablets could be useful for the pelletizing of such materials to compensate for matrix effects.