Analysis of reference materials by prompt γ-ray neutron activation analysis and evaluation of sample-dependent background

Abstract

A combination of internal mono-standard method and relative method of prompt γ-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) was used for the non-destructive analysis of three certified reference materials (CRMs). The advantages of both the methods were effectively used in this combination methodology. The relative concentrations of different elements were determined by internal mono-standard method. In the internal mono-standard method, the use of multi-element standards and, identical irradiation and counting geometries are not required. The determined elemental concentrations were within ±10% of the certified values in most of the cases. In addition, one mixed sample of aluminosilicate and graphite was analyzed by PGNAA. The results show that PGNAA can be an attractive method of the non-destructive analysis of the major and minor elements present in the sample. The variation in the background contribution to the prompt γ-ray spectra due to the nature of the sample matrix has been critically evaluated. The suggestions for the background corrections in these cases are discussed.