Group XVII. 
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS GROUP

Staff:

Ewa Czykiel M.Sc., Bożena Żak, tech.

Analytical service:

The Elemental Analysis Group was established to provide the quantitative determination of C, H, N, S, Cl, Br, J and F for all research groups at the Institute as well as for customers from outside of the Institute.

Determination of C, H, N, S is made using two automatic analysers:

• The elementary analyser Vario El III (Elementar, formerly Heraeus) is a fully automatic instrument for a fast and quantitative determination of C, H, N and S. It works according to the principle of catalytic combustion in the tube in an oxygenated atmosphere and temperature of 1150^oC. The desired measuring compounds are separated from each others with the help of specific adsorption columns and determines in succession with a thermal conductivity detector (TCD); helium serves flushing and carrier gas.

• The elementary analyser “Perkin-Elmer” 240 – method based on combustion substance in temperature of 950^oC in oxygenated atmosphere with addition helium. The desired, combustion products (CO₂, H₂O and N₂) are chromatographicaly separated and determined on basis of differences among heat conduction of these gases.

Determination of S, Cl, Br, I, F is made applying Schőniger’s method. Substance is mineralised in the flask on platinum catalyst in oxygenated atmosphere. Measuring ions are titrated with standard volumetric solution in the presence of adequate indicator.

Our analytical laboratory can also determines ash percentage content in organic compounds