Determination of boron in borosilicate glasses by neutron capture prompt gamma-ray activation analysis

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 109; no. 1; pp. 109 - 115
• Main Authors: Riley, J. E., Lindstrom, R. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1987
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02117528

Major levels of boron in borosilicate glasses have been determined nondestructively by neutron activation analysis. In contrast to chemical methods for determining B as a major component, the described nuclear method has few interferences and does not require chemical separation of B prior to its quantitation. The effects of neutron self-shielding by B (1-8% by weight) are examined, minimized by dilution of powdered samples with high purity graphite, and circumvented by comparative analyses. Results of the analysis of a series of glasses with increasing boron composition are 1.150 plus/minus 0.005% and 7.766 plus/minus 0.035% for the low and high members of the series. Accuracy of these results depends upon comparative analyses with the certified standard reference material, SRM 93a (3.89 plus/minus 0.02% B). Once analyzed, the glasses are useful as secondary standards for alpha track counting, and also ion and electron microprobe analyses of glasses. 12 ref.--AA