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Borate Fusion

Efficient preparation of for XRF, ICP and AA analysis

Borate Fusion

What is borate fusion?

Borate fusion is a technique used to prepare various types of samples for subsequent XRF analysis, ICP analysis or AA analysis.

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How borate fusion works

The borate fusion technique consists of mixing a ground sample with a borate flux (lithium or sodium) inside a 95% Pt - 5% Au crucible, heating to 1000 °C with agitation until the flux melts, and then dissolving the sample homogeneously in the flux. When the sample needs to be prepared for X-ray fluorescence (XRF analysis), the hot melt is then cast into a mold and cooled, resulting in a glass disk. The melt can otherwise be poured into diluted acid for subsequent inductively coupled plasma (ICP analysis) or atomic absorption (AA analysis).

Significant benefits that make the difference

Since XRF is a comparative technique, the standards used to prepare the calibration curve have to closely match the characteristics of the unknown sample to provide an accurate and precise analysis. Fusion is the only sample preparation technique that allows you to matrix-match the standards and unknown that cover a wide range of materials. 

The glass disks prepared by borate fusion lead to XRF analytical results that are far more precise and accurate than the ones obtained with pressed pellets. In addition of being simple, fast and effective, this preparation technique reduces the number of certified reference materials and calibration applications. 

Fusion is also well-suited to prepare samples for ICP analysis and AA analysis since unlike common acid digestion techniques, it allows the complete digestion/dissolution of highly refractory materials, ferroalloys and sulfides. It is also safer for the operator (no use of dangerous acids such as HF and HClO4), faster and automated.

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Explore our solutions for borate fusion and sample preparation below.

How our products compare

  • FORJ

    The world’s fastest, safest and most accurate fusion instrument for sample preparation

    FORJ

    Heating mode

    • Electric

    Number of samples per fusion cycle

    • 6

    Productivity

  • LeNeo

    Keeping ahead through Claisse expertise in fusion

    LeNeo

    Heating mode

    • Electric

    Number of samples per fusion cycle

    • 1

    Productivity

    • Glass disks (XRF) : up to 4 per hour; Borate and peroxide solutions (ICP-AA): up to 6 per hour
  • Eagon 2

    Fully automatic fusion machine for XRF analysis

    Eagon 2

    Heating mode

    • Electric

    Number of samples per fusion cycle

    • 2

    Productivity

    • Glass disks (XRF) : up to 8 per hour
  • LeDoser-12

    Just-in-time weighing for optimal precision and repeatability!

    LeDoser-12

    Heating mode

    Number of samples per fusion cycle

    Productivity

  • LeDoser

    Weigh and dispense borate flux with high precision

    LeDoser

    Heating mode

    Number of samples per fusion cycle

    Productivity

    • Runs autonomously for up to 250 weighings (depending on quantity of flux)
Ready for superior sample preparation?

Ready for superior sample preparation?

Better results, faster analysis and higher precision. Upgrade your sample preparation with borate fusion today.

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