solid AA® Direct Solid AAS

Solid samples in powder form, granulates and fibers, but also paste-like materials such as cream, sludge or viscous oils can usually be analyzed directly in the graphite furnace without any need for sample preparation. Heterogeneous samples are merely reduced to a smaller size and homogenized prior to the analysis.

The typical sample quantity is usually between 100 μg and 10 mg. The actual sample weight depends on the sample matrix and the concentrations to be determined. The sample is weighed onto a sample carrier and brought to the graphite furnace. After the analysis is complete, the sample carrier may be reused.

In the direct solids analysis, the decomposition of the sample matrix by means of an acid digestion is replaced by the temperature program of the graphite furnace. Combined with a powerful background correction, the interferencefree and precise determination of almost all elements in numerous materials is possible. The graphite furnace technique is subject to few interferences caused by the sample matrix. Therefore, even liquid calibration standards may be used in most cases. A calibration with solid matrix reference materials, which are expensive and often not available in the correct composition, is usually not necessary.

The Analytik Jena graphite furnace systems can be converted from liquid to solids analysis in just a few minutes – the unlimited use of both techniques is guaranteed. All functions are integrated in the operating software. Additional modules are not required. Easy, software-guided routines allow a simpler adjustment of the autosamplers and guarantee a reliable sample supply.