XRF Thin Films | XRF Cup Support

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XRF films in various materials

The supporting window of your XRF sample cup must be transparent to all of the signals produced by the analyses of interest, as well as chemicaly compatible with the samples. There is currently a large range of window materials available in the various thicknesses to contain the sample, such as polyproylene, Kapton and Mylar®.

XRF film materials

Kapton

A tough polymide, orange/yellow in colour. Stable across a wide range of temperatures and usually with a 7.5µm thickness. Kapton supports most samples, but it is especially affected by strong basic solutions. ASTM methods for analyzing sulfure in diesel stipulate the use of Kapton or Etnom® windows only.

Polypropylene

Thin-film plastic materials with a large %-transmittance for heavy elements and light, even when in low concentrations. Thickness is usually 6 or 12µm. This slightly thicker film gives more security against tearing. Polypropylene boasts better transmission than Mylar® film, but it does have a lower tensile strength.

Mylar®

Perfect for many routine XRF analyses. It is often used for the detection of sulfur in lubricants, fuels and oils (but not diesel – see above). It is tough and has a high tensile strength that is resistant to any liquid sample tearing through the film. Mylar's weakness is that it is not chemically compatible with aromatics, esters, ketones or aliphatic alcohols. Mylar® is a trademark of E.I.DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

XRF Thin Film Selection Guide

Part numbers for individual XRF Thin Films