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Quantify Silicon in Silicone Oil by ICP-OES Follow-up Question

I've tried digestion in microwave assisted method to quantify silicon in silicone oil, but as I told you before, I did not succeed. According to oil supplier, silicone oil contains around 38% in Si; All results are always below this number.

In my approach I am using closed vessel digestion and the mixture HNO3 (4 mL) + H2O2 (2mL) +HF (1mL). Also, I have tried to match samples and standards as much as I can.

Now, I would like to try direct analysis after pretreating the sample with alcoholic KOH. This approach was mentioned by you in your last e-mail and is briefly described in http://www.inorganicventures.com/elements/silicon

Please:

  • What kind of vessel may I perform the sample pretreating once KOH could attack platinum crucible?
  • What is KOH concentration in alcohol?
  • This destructions is performed at room temperature?
  • What about standards? Should I use them in KOH/Xylene?

Hi again - please see the following and then call if any additional info is needed:

  • What kind of vessel may I perform the sample pretreating once KOH could attack platinum crucible?
    I would use a LDPE bottle from Nalgene (HDPE has some Si) and mix the sample with the alcoholic KOH and place in a water bath or oven at 60 deg C.
  • What is KOH concentration in alcohol? 0.5 M
  • This destructions is performed at room temperature? 60 deg C
  • What about standards? Should I use them in KOH/Xylene? Yes.

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Serving you in chemistry,
 

Paul R. Gaines, Ph.D.
CEO of Inorganic Ventures & Fellow Chemist

DISCLAIMER: Advice offered by the chemists at Inorganic Ventures is intended for the individual posing the question. Feel free to contact us to verify whether these suggestions apply to your unique circumstances.