Embedding of small samples for spark discharge atomic emission spectrometry

摘要

One approach to the analysis of small samples by means of an ordinary point-to-plane spark spectrometer is by embedding them in an electrically conductive material. In order to do so for steel samples of any shape, embedding in a pure tin ingot was found to be appropriate. This was carried out by putting them into a graphite crucible along with fairly large tin pieces, followed by heating above the melting point of tin. Thus the samples became firmly attached, to the tin ingots. Grinding was easy despite the different hardness of steel and tin. With this procedure, samples of various types of steel gave correct analytical results upon sparking except for tin, provided that their diameter was at least 6 mm. The method is fast, cheap and more versatile than alternative ones. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. [References: 9]