Dear James,
The composition will tell whether the slag is within the range that
could be fayalitic. However, an SEM or EPMA fitted with a back-scattered
electron detector would show any phases present at a size above 100nm. It is
difficult to persuade normal fayalitic slag not to crystallize, so the chances
of Bradford in a erasonable SEM not noticing that the material was fayalite are
about zero.
What is the composition of the slag? If it has low iron concentrations,
it can not be fayalitic. If you wish to determine if there are any crystalline
phases present the technique to use is X-ray diffraction. However, if there is
high iron content in the slag do not use a copper X-ray tube as this X-ray is
heavily absorbed by iron.
Chris Salter
---------------------------------------------
Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group,
Department of Materials,
Begbroke Business and Science Park,
Sandy Lane,
Yarnton,
Oxford OX5 1PF,
Tel. Office 01865 283722
Probe 01865 283741
Fax. 01865 848790
Mobile. 0777 6031608
E-mail [log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|