Determination of elemental composition of cement powder by Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Measurement of the cement powder composition as a major building material is considered very important. In this paper the capabilities of Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (SIBS) as a new technique for analysis of cement powder are shown. The major and minor elements of cement such as Ca, Si, Fe, K, Mg, Al, Na, Ba, Ti, V. Pb, Mn and Sr are detected qualitatively. For quantitative measurement, calibration curves are prepared for elements Ca, Si, Mg, Al, Fe and K with limit of detection below 220 ppm. The critical problems such as how to achieve quantitative measurement and improve the detection limits are investigated. The potential and drawbacks of SIBS technique in comparison with XRF for analysis of powder products are discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.