The influence of pyrolysis and matrix modifiers for analysis of glass materials by GFAAS using slurry sample introduction

Abstract

The influence of pyrolysis and different matrix modifiers on the atomization of Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni in slurries of glass samples using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry has been investigated. Pyrolysis and matrix modification do not influence the analytical performance and therefore they can be omitted. Results obtained by scanning electron microscopy indicate that the use of a pyrolysis step causes the size of the original particles to increase. The sample particles then behave as a matrix modifier themselves, so that a significant delay in appearance time is observed in the absorption signals for most elements and materials studied. Analytical results of the analysis of several NIST siliceous standard reference materials, obtained without using a matrix modifier or a pyrolysis step, are presented and compared to the results obtained by the conventional acid digestion procedure.