An atomic-absorption thermochemical research method

An atomic absorption method previously has been described for thermochemical research, but only qualitative descriptions were given. In this paper, the authors discuss the scope for fuller data interpretation. The authors' method is based on an electrothermal atomizer with an independently heated evaporator. The atomizer is a graphite tubular oven heated to a constant temperature while the evaporator is a miniature pyrocarbon vessel with an exit hole. The evaporator is heated and the vapor is brought to the center of the atomizer by flushing the vessel with argon. This produces an absorbing layer of effective length with effective concentrations for free and bound atoms. Another use of the method is in identifying the chemical form of a compound passing to the analytical zone from the evaporator.