Complementary PIGE, PIXE, EDXRF and γ-ray spectroscopic investigation on natural chromites

Elemental analysis has been carried out on a selected number of natural chromites by using various non-destructive nuclear analytical techniques like simultaneous particle-induced X-ray emission–particle-induced γ-ray emission (PIXE–PIGE), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and γ-ray spectroscopic measurements. For PIXE–PIGE investigation, a 3 MeV proton beam from a 3 MV pelletron accelerator was utilized for irradiating the samples, whereas EDXRF was carried out by exciting a secondary molybdenum target by an X-ray tube. Twenty-two major, minor and trace elements including Ca, Ti, V, Co, Ni, Zn, Sr, Zr and Y have been quantified in these chromites. The study advocates the simultaneous use of nuclear techniques for quantifying various elements especially where large number of elements are of interest and need to be accurately determined with optimum precision.