Silicate production background

The direct analysis of oxide products such as iron-sinter, slag or refractories, leads to considerably non-specific loss of light due to the large silicate matrix. It has yet to be investigated whether the use of background correction will make direct oxide analysis possible. 

Background. We have become particularly interested in the weathering of micas in soils. This weathering process is geochemically and environmentally important because it is a major source of potassium in the soil system (and therefore of paramount importance to plants), and the weathering products typically include other sheet silicates with high cation exchange capacities (CEC). These secondary minerals play an important role in the mobility of toxic metals and nutrients in soils. 

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