Development and applications of the k0-based internal mono standard INAA method.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) is a powerful technique for elemental quantification.
• Traditional INAA methods often require extensive calibration and can be sensitive to sample geometry.
• The development of the k0-based internal monostandard (IM-INAA) method aims to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the development and validation of the k0-based IM-INAA methodology.
• To demonstrate the application of IM-INAA for analyzing stainless steel and brass alloys.
• To evaluate the accuracy of the method using a certified reference material and analyze large-size wheat samples.

Main Methods:

• k0-based internal monostandard instrumental neutron activation analysis (IM-INAA).
• In-situ relative efficiency determination for geometry independence.
• Standard-less absolute concentration determination.
• Analysis of stainless steel (BCS 466) and brass alloys.
• Analysis of large-size wheat samples (0.45-1 kg).

Main Results:

• The IM-INAA method was successfully developed and standardized.
• Geometry independence was achieved using in-situ relative efficiency.
• Accurate absolute concentrations were determined for stainless steel and brass alloys using a standard-less approach.
• Analysis of large wheat samples showed comparable results to sub-sample analysis for selected elements.

Conclusions:

• The k0-based IM-INAA method provides accurate and geometry-independent elemental analysis.
• The standard-less approach simplifies the analysis of various materials, including alloys and bulk samples.
• This methodology is suitable for analyzing both small and large samples across different matrices.