In the Thermo iCAP ICP-OES, samples are sent into a high-temperature argon plasma, where they are ionized. Each element in the sample then gives off a characteristic wavelength of light, and the intensity of that light is measured, yielding the composition of a sample that has either been ablated in situ using a high-powered laser, or dissolved in a dilute acid solution. This instrument provides quantitative measurement of elements, which are a) important components of many inks, pigments, and substrates, and b) play important roles in the degradation of materials.
Applications:
- analysis of historic papers’ trace metal composition
- detection of trace iron in “foxing” spots on paper
- measurement of the uptake of trace minerals during the washing of paper
- analysis of organo-metallic pigments used in inks
Thermo iCAP ICP-OES.
