Thin-Film Sample Support Properties
A thin-film sample support window is a substance used for retaining liquid, powdered, slurry or solid specimens in XRF Sample Cups. Of the many different types of materials available, few possess the necessary combination of consistency and chemical and physical properties to serve x-ray spectrochemical needs.
RoHS Compliant
Chemplex thin-film sample support windows are in compliance with the European Council (EC) Directive 2002/95/EC, Restriction of Hazardous Substances commonly referred to as RoHS.
Typical Thickness Variations
| VARIATIONS | UNIFORMITY OF THICKNESS | ORIENTATION |
|---|---|---|
| Between packages | = 1 – 2 % | Multiaxially orientated; minimizes effects of preferred orientation |
| Between lots | = ± 5% |
Physical Characteristics
| THIN-FILM SAMPLE SUPPORT SUBSTANCE | MELTING POINT °C (°F) | DENSITY, GM/CC | STRUCTURAL FORMULA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etnom™ | 270 (518) | 1.36 | C14H10O4 |
| Prolene® | 165 (329) | 0.91 | C3H6 |
| Mylar®, Hostaphan® | 260 (500) | 1.38 | C10H3O4 |
| Polypropylene | 160 (320) | 0.91 | C3H6 |
| Polyester | 210 (410) | 0.93 | C10H3O4 |
| Polyimide (Kapton®) | None reported | 1.42 | C20H10O5N2 |
| Polycarbonate | 267 (513) | 1.37 | C2H3F |
Purity
| THIN-FILM WINDOW SUBSTANCE | TRACE IMPURITIES, PPM |
|---|---|
| Mylar®, Polyester, Hostaphan® | Ca, P, Sb, Fe, Zn |
| Prolene®, Polypropylene | Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Zr, Ti, Al |
| Etnom™ | Si, Ca, P, Zn, Sb |
| Polyimide (Kapton®) | None reported of significant value |
| Polycarbonate | Unknown |
Degradation Resistance Of Thin-film Substances
| CHEMICAL | MYLAR or HOSTAPHAN | POLY- CARBONATE | Etnom-S | POLY- PROPYLENE | POLY- IMIDE | PROLENE | ULTRA- POLYESTER |
| Acid, dilute or weak | G | G | G | E | N | G | G |
| Acids, conc. | G | G | G | E | N | E | G |
| Alcohols, aliphatic | N | G | G | E | G | E | N |
| Aldehydes | U | F | F | E | E | E | U |
| Alkalies, conc. | N | N | G | E | E | E | N |
| Esters | N | N | F | G | G | G | N |
| Ethers | F | N | F | N | U | N | F |
| Hydrocarbon, aliphatic | G | N | E | G | E | G | G |
| Hydrocarbon, aromatic | N | N | E | N | E | N | N |
| Hydrocarbon, halogenated | F | N | F | N | F | N | F |
| Ketones | N | N | G | G | G | G | N |
| Oxidizing agents | F | N | F | F | N | F | F |
E=Excellent, G=Good, F=Fair, N=Not recommended, U=Unknown
Shaded columns represent thin-film window materials determined “Unsuitable for analyzing sulfur in diesel fuel, gasoline and other petroleum products containing aromatic hydrocarbons,” ASTM D-4294-03 and ASTM D-6445-99 (2004), in addition to other testing procedures.
IMPORTANT: The degradation resistance of thin-films contained in the above illustration is provided as a matter of information purposes only and is not intended to preclude actual testing and suitability of use and applications. The responsibility of acceptance and safety resides totally with the user.