Instrumental neutron activation analysis: A valuable link in chemical metrology

This work provides a systematic experimental approach to the demonstration of viability of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in chemical metrology. The practical approach was derived from a complete survey of uncertainty components that affect the INAA measurement process. These uncertainty components were classified by their magnitude and origin and subsequently minimized by appropriate steps in the INAA process. The process was tested with the INAA determination of Cr in SRM 1152A stainless steel; the Cr value is certified at 17.76% with an estimated uncertainty of 0.04% (0.23% relative). The INAA results from this procedure are in agreement with these specifications. Similar procedures have been applied to INAA multi-element determinations in a high temperature alloy. Agreement with available consensus values was demonstrated in the alloy. The guidelines on the determination of uncertainty were fully met, providing through INAA a valuable independent nondestructive tool in chemical measurements of metrological value such as required in the CCQM key comparisons.