Analysis of chlorine in polymers by laser sampling and diode laser atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

The combination of Laser Ablation and Diode Laser Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in a low-pressure Microwave Induced Plasma (MIP) is presented as a method for analysis of solid samples. The capability of this technique is demonstrated by the analysis of chlorine in polymer matrices compared with the major constituents carbon and hydrogen. The detection limit of chlorine was found to be approximately 10 pg/shot or 85 μg/g applying eight laser shots. Furthermore, the reproduction of the stoichiometry of different polyvinylchloride samples verified the absence of severe fractionation effects during the ablation and transport into the MIP.