Basic Training 4th Annual ICP Conference

Challenging ICP analyses

1. Silicon in silicone oils 2. Sulfur in steel 3. Iodine in biologicals

Possible difficulties? • Element chemistry (e.g., volatility) • Sample matrix • Sample preparation critical • ICP characteristics

• Poor ionization (sensitivity) • Emission lines / Mass range • Standards / Sample compatibility

Silicon in silicone oils

1 – Planning Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, aka dimethicone ) - Contact lenses - Food (anti-foaming agent) - Bathroom caulk Detection limits/uncertainty Chemical composition

IDLs: OES = 5 – 50 ppb MS = 0.1 – 5 ppb

38% wt. Si

H 6

OSi) n

(C 2