Atomic Absorption Spectrochemical Analysis

Abstract

605 of a given sample yielded the same numerical result as that determined by the use of the mathematical expression presented here. CONCLUSION In general, expanded applicability of electrothermal atom-ization techniques to solids has been shown in these studies. Although only metal samples were examined here, it is possible that this approach will be applicable to a wider scope of materials. Solid metallurgical samples were easily introduced into the furnace and accurate, reproducible furnace temperature control facilitated a controlled and characterizable analyte release (i.e., vaporization) rate. Thus, a relatively simple first-order expression could be used to describe the vapori-zation kinetics of the analyte which could be used to quantify the amount of analyte initially contained in the sample. Complete volatization of the analyte was not a prerequisite to quantification. The second surface atomizer demonstrated its ability to preconcentrate elements existing at low partial pressures within the furnace at levels below detection. These atoms could later be released rapidly, thereby producing an atomization "spike" and a favorable signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio during the analyte detection step. The uniformity of the atomization signals regardless of the original form of the samples justified the use of aqueous standards. Compared to some other solid sampling/ETA techniques which rely on matrix matched standards, the recovery of Pb in these studies was low. No definitive cause for this was found. This rapid quantitative method would be suitable in cases where results to within a small factor were satisfactory.