The application of atomic absorption spectrometry in the analysis of metallic sodium: Part 1. Volatilization Characteristics of Sodium Salts During Electrothermal Atomization

The volatilization characteristics of six common sodium salts from the graphite rod of an electrothermal atomizer are described. Most of the salts have a relatively simple volatilization behaviour and can be completely removed from the graphite rod during a 20 s heating stage at temperatures 200–300°C above their melting points. This predictable and controllable vaporization behaviour shows the potentiality of the graphite rod atomizer for selectively volatilizing a sodium salt matrix and leaving behind less volatile trace metals for subsequent high temperature volatilization and measurement by atomic absorption spectrometry.