Glass
- Page ID
- 66455
Analysis of Glass Fragments
Objective
To compare glass samples based on their refractive index (RI) and their trace magnesium content by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA).
Sample
Glass fragments (half-inch square) from bottles and from automobiles. Find a junk yard and obtain samples from car headlamps and windshields.
Reagents
A set of liquid refractive index standards; magnesium metal; pure lanthanum nitrate; concentrated hydrofluoric acid solution; concentrated hydrochloric acid; concentrated nitric acid
Standard Reference Material
None
Special equipment
optical microscope; sodium vapor lamp; microscope slides; flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer; ultrasonic bath; plastic centrifuge tubes
Procedure
RI: For instructor (detailed); For student (brief)
AA: For instructor (detailed); For student (brief)
Typical results
AA calibration curve for magnesium; magnesium content of typical glass samples; RI of typical glass samples
Alternate Method
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) - Emission Spectrophotometry (OES)
Procedure
(planned for next edition)