ISO 29581-2:2010

Overview

ISO 29581-2:2010 specifies a performance-based method for the chemical analysis of cement by X‑ray fluorescence (XRF). It defines procedures for analysis of common cement oxides and minor elements - including SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, K2O, Na2O, TiO2, P2O5, Mn2O3, SrO, Cl and Br - and can be applied to other elements when suitable calibrations exist. The standard describes two equivalent sample-preparation approaches: fused beads (fused glass discs) and pressed pellets (unfused), plus analytical validation, calibration using certified reference materials (CRMs) and laboratory performance criteria.

Key topics and technical requirements

• XRF methodology: Performance-based alternative to wet chemistry methods; requires appropriate calibration and validation for conformity testing.
• Sample preparation: Procedures for producing fused beads and pressed pellets are given; fused beads reduce matrix/mineralogical effects for non‑volatile elements, pressed pellets are preferable for volatile elements.
• Sulfide/sulfate limitation: Samples containing sulfide species restrict direct determination of SO3 from fused beads - ISO 29581-1 (referenced in Annex D) is the reference method for sulfate in such samples.
• Calibration and traceability: Use of certified reference materials (CRMs), industrial reference materials (IRMs) and laboratory-produced calibration standards; at least seven calibration points recommended and validation against CRMs or the reference method is required.
• Performance criteria: Specifies accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility limits and distinguishes expected performance for “expert” vs “normal” laboratories; laboratories must demonstrate competence.
• Quality controls: Procedures for reagent purity, flux selection, binding agents for pellets, and routine monitoring to ensure consistent analytical performance.

Applications

• Quality control and conformity testing of cement production and finished cement products.
• Raw material and constituent analysis (clinker, additives, supplementary cementitious materials).
• Regulatory and specification compliance, where international cement standards call up XRF methods.
• Routine laboratory workflows for rapid multi‑element screening and process monitoring.

Who should use this standard

• Cement manufacturers and process control laboratories
• Third‑party testing and inspection labs
• Standards bodies and regulatory agencies
• Instrument manufacturers and service providers validating XRF methods

Related standards

• ISO 29581-1 - Cement: Test methods - Part 1: Analysis by wet chemistry (reference for sulfate in sulfide-containing samples)
• ISO Guide 30 / Guide 31 - Reference materials and certification
• EN 196-7, EN 197-1 - European cement testing and specification standards

Keywords: ISO 29581-2, XRF, X‑ray fluorescence, cement chemical analysis, fused beads, pressed pellets, certified reference materials, calibration, sulfate determination, performance criteria.