Applications of PIXE, PIGE, SEM and EDAX techniques to the study of geological samples

Abstract

The complementary nuclear techniques of PIXE, PIGE, SEM and EDAX were employed to the study of geological samples from Wuyo, North East of Nigeria. The geological samples studied include (i) sandstones (fresh, mylonised and silicified), (ii) granites (fresh and brecciated) and (iii) brecciated and uraniferous samples. The microstructure of the samples was studied using SEM, while PIXE, PIGE and EDAX gave the qualitative and quantitative geochemical data of the major, minor and trace elements in them. PIXE and PIGE measurements were carried out using proton beams produced by the 2.5 MV AN-2000 and 7 MV CN Van de Graaff accelerators at INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL), Padova, Italy, respectively. The facilities at the same institute were used for the SEM and EDAX measurements. Results of this novel study are presented and discussed.