Abstract
X-ray diffraction analysis of asbestos-bearing materials has been completed using reference intensity ratios. The procedure includes a sample preparation method for suspension of a finely pulverized material and for deorienting the particles on a glass fiber filter. Diffraction intensifies are corrected for matrix and transparency. Reference intensity ratios have been determined in this study for chrysotile, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and tremolite. Multicomponent analyses of prepared samples demonstrate that the lower limit of detection for most asbestos minerals falls in the range of 0.5% to 2% by weight of the sample. Analytical accuracy is verified in large measure by comparing calculated and observed mass absorption coefficients.