Application of k0-method in instrumental neutron activation analysis to glass matrix: test study for low power research reactor GHARR-1

In this work k₀-INAA (via IAEAk₀-software) has been applied on glass samples to determine major, minor and trace element concentration. As many as 50 elements were detected and quantified with 3–5 mg of 0.1 % AuAl comparator monitor (0.1 % gold–99.9 %Alumimum wire). The average concentration of SiO₂, Na₂O, CaO, Al₂O₃ and MgO ranged between 76–96 %, 11.15–12.66 %, 5.26–10.71 %, 1.13–2.73 % and 3.51–6.23 % respectively. The relative concentrations of impurity elements; Cr, Fe, Mn and Co determined from the glass samples were used to match the physical appearance (color) of the glass based on general knowledge of colored glass production. The analytical procedure was validated using SRM 610 (glass matrix) and SRM GBW07106 (rock matrix) both as control samples which indicated a relative uncertainty of 15 and 6 % respectively for SRM 610 and SRM GBW07106. The relative sensitivity at which some of the elements were detected in major, minor and trace levels have indicated, that the k₀-method in instrumental neutron activation analysis using low power research reactor is a useful technique in glass analysis and could equally be used for forensic and archeological glass characterization.