Ultra trace analysis of high-purity aluminium

Summary

At VAW today, high-purity aluminium is analysed using three analytical procedures as a matter of routine. When the set purity requirements are lower, spark emission spectrometry (OES) is used; for higher purity requirements, mass spectrometry (GDMS) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) are employed. The efficiency of these routine methods is described briefly. Reliable VAW reference samples, as well as regular comparison tests, serve as a basis for analytical quality assurance. The quality of these reference materials and of high-purity aluminium analysis has been attested by round-robin analysis, using different analytical procedures, and by experienced analytical laboratories. Several multi-step procedures are described to illustrate the methods of operation. Today ICP-MS also belongs to these, a useful addition to the special multi-step procedures for the determination of individual elements and to multistep procedures with atom spectrometrical end determination. ICP-MS is an efficient alternative method for routine trace analysis work.