About Sigma

Sigma is the home of the finest and purest X-Ray Fluxes for more than a quarter of a century.

With the aid of Government institutions and internationally recognised scientists, Sigma CHemiclas continues to seek and offer new and improved fluxes for precision results in borate fusions.

Who uses Sigma Fluxes

From small specialised commercial laboratories to the giant Iron Ore producers to the largest XRF laboratory in the world. They are all important to Sigma and receive the same respect, service and importance.

Introduction

Each and every batch of Sigma Ultra Pure X-Ray Flux begins with the finest and purest laboratory tested raw materials, specially selected from the most proven and reliable manufacturers in the world.  Once selected and tested these raw materials are fused in laboratory conditions to produce our Ultra Pure Borate Fluxes that are universally accepted.

Our commitment to developing further technologies in X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry continues to produce the finest qualities of flux in the world

Fusion

Fusion is simply a method of dissolving an oxide sample with a Lithium Borate Flux at high temperatures to form a fused bead for analysis by XRF or classical wet chemistry.

Typical samples include ceramics, iron ores, cements, slag, soils and metal alloys.

Flux Selection

Lithium Tetraborate

This is known as a light acidic flux used mainly with alkaline samples such as cements and steel.

Norrish 12:22

This flux named after Dr Keith Norrish, consists of Lithium Tetraborate 35% and Lithium Metaborate 65% and has the lowest melting point of most borate mixtures.  This mixture helps prevent crystallisation and cracking of the bead when high concentrations of silica is present.

This blend is highly recommended for iron ore, bauxites and alumina’s.

Other Compositions

  • 100% Lithium Tetraborate
  • 100% Lithium Metaborate
  • 20% Lithium Tetraborate : 80% Lithium Metaborate
  • 35.3% Lithium Tetraborate : 64.% Lithium Metaborate (12:22)
    • with additive 5% Sodium Nitrate
    • with additive 5% Sodium Nitrate : 0.04% Potassium Bromide
    • with additive 12.82% Sodium Nitrate
    • with additive 20% Sodium Nitrate
  • 50% Lithium Tetraborate : 50% Lithium Metaborate
  • 57% Lithium Tetraborate : 43% Lithium Metaborate
  • 66% Lithium Tetraborate : 34% Lithium Metaborate
  • 47% Lithium Tetraborate : 36.7% Lithium Carbonate : 16.3% Lanthanum Oxide (Norrish Flux)
  • 81.8% Lithium Tetraborate : 18.2% Lanthanum Oxide
  • 90% Lithium Tetraborate : 10% Lithium Fluoride
  • 90% Lithium Tetraborate : 10% Lithium Bromide
  • 98% Lithium Tetraborate : 2% Sodium Bromide
  • 75.4% Lithium Tetraborate : 21.1% Lanthanum Oxide : 3.5% Boric Acid
  • 100% Sodium Tetraborate

OTHER COMPOSITIONS CAN BE MANUFACTURED TO YOUR OWN SPECIFICATIONS

Additives

All Sigma Fluxes are available with additives such as non wetting agents and oxidants as requested.

Specifications

Low fusion losses
Controlled particle size
High bulk density
Ultra Pure
Free flowing
Non dusty
Homogeneous

Impurities

0-1ppm Na, K, Fe, As, Mn, Al, Se, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Ag, Sn

1-2ppm Ca, Mg, Si, S

Platinum Lab Ware

Sigma Chemicals subsidiary, Sigma Precious Metals manufactures a complete range of standard and custom made laboratory Platinum and Platinum alloy equipment.

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