High-pressure microwave dissolution of ceramics prior to trace metal determinations by microwave induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A commercial laboratory microwave acid digestion system was evaluated for the acid dissolution of ceramic powders (Al₂O₃, AlN, BN and Si₃N₄) prior to the determination of their trace element content by microwave induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Newly designed vessels, capable of withstanding internal pressures of over 110 bar, provide rapid and satisfactory results for sample dissolution. Sample preparation time was approximately 30 min (including the subsequent cooling time and preparation of the final solution). Results from conventional stainless-steel acid digestion vessel (Teflon bomb) dissolution are compared with the microwave bomb results of microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry.