In the preparation of a fusion bead for XRF analysis, numerous factors can affect the viscosity of the melt and how much it adheres to the platinumware. If factors such as flux type, fusion temperature, pouring motion and sample concentration have been optimised, non-wetting agents (NWA) may need to be investigated if your beads are still cracking or not releasing from the mould.

This article covers factors such as:

• What is a non-wetting agent?
• Post pouring effects of non-wetting agents
• Non-wetting agents and analyses
• Fluxes and non-wetting agents
• Br vs. I for non-wetting agents