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1.1 This test method covers the measurement of antimony concentration in plastics or other hydrocarbon or organic matrix by using neutron activation analysis (NAA). The sample is activated by irradiation with neutrons from a research reactor and the subsequently emitted gamma-rays are detected with a germanium semiconductor detector. The same system may be used to determine antimony concentrations ranging from 1 ng/g to 10 000 μg/g with the lower end of the range limited by numerous interferences and the upper limit established by the demonstrated practical application of NAA.

1.2 This test method may be used on either solid or liquid samples, provided that they can be made to conform in size and shape during irradiation and counting to a standard sample of known antimony content using very simple sample preparation. Several variants of this method have been described in the technical literature. A monograph is available which provides a comprehensive description of the principles of neutron activation analysis using reactor neutrons (1).2

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautions are given in Section 9.

5.1 High levels of antimony are commonly used in flame retardant formulations for various materials. NAA is a test method that can be useful for verifying these levels and, for other materials, NAA can also be useful in establishing the amount of low level contamination, if any, with high sensitivity and high precision.

5.2 Neutron activation analysis provides a rapid, highly sensitive, nondestructive procedure for antimony determination in a wide range of matrices. This test method is independent of the chemical form of the antimony.

5.3 This test method can be used for quality and process control in the petrochemical and other manufacturing industries, and for research purposes in a broad spectrum of applications.