The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) uses the light emitted by excitation of a sample X-ray radiation for the study of the elemental composition. This can be done by the bombardment with electrons (e.g. in the scanning electron microscope) or by exposure to X-rays (X-ray fluorescence). In the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer EDX-800HS by Shimadzu Europa GmbH, the excitation is carried out with a X-ray tube. In this case, an electron is ejected from one of the inner shells of the atoms of the test material and immediately filled by a higher energy electron from a higher orbital. The released energy difference is measured and is characteristic of the item. Good analysis values are only possible from sodium, since the X-ray radiation of the lighter elements has low energy and is easily absorbed.
The use of the spectrometer at the Institute is particularly aimed at detecting the type and amount of additives and fillers in the volume of practical relevance polymer samples.

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer EDX-800HS
(Fa. Shimadzu Europa GmbH)