Use of Pyroceram Crucible Vials in Ashing Biological Materials for Spectrochemical Analysis

Publisher： Society for Applied Spectroscopy

ISSN： 0003-7028

Source： Applied Spectroscopy, Vol.13, Iss.6, 1959-12, pp. : 158-158

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Abstract

A number of spectrochemical techniques are described in the literature wherein a sample is heated in a crucible in a muffle furnace to decompose organic matter. Then the resulting ash is mixed in a mortar, or by mechanical means, with a buffer before excitation; for example, Farmer (1), Sayre (2), and Connor and Bass (3). Direct excitation of the ash, rather than a solution of its soluble constituents eliminates the difficulties with solutions but introduces some additional problems. It is difficult to transfer the ash quantitatively from the crucible to the mixing container which is time-consuming and requires an additional container. This note describes a technique that largely eliminates these difficulties and uses a container with sufficient physical strength to withstand the shock of mechanical mixing and the ashing temperature of 550°C.