Sliding spark spectroscopy

Summary

A new analytical radiation source combined with fiber optics linked to a diode array detection device with modified software is described. The direct-reading spectrometer simultaneously covers the wavelength range 185–510 nm with a spectral resolution of <1.5 nm. Intense optical emission is observed when positionally stable high-current surface sparks supplied by a pulse-generator with definite discharge parameters (max. 800 Ampere/pulse) are sliding over compact non-conductive materials such as plastics, glasses, quartz filters or powder pellets. Substrate vaporization, ionization and excitation processes in the surface discharge plasma channel generate emission corresponding to neutral and ionic states. The spectra are essentially composed of lines emitted by the electrode material (e.g. copper, silver), from the substrate under investigation, radiation continuum as well as structured background from the surrounding air atmosphere. Due to the occurrence of emission lines of reactive fillers, inorganic pigments and stabilizers, a rapid multi-element screening method is demonstrated. A rapid identification system (mix-up test) of PVC or fire-retardant thermoplastics within one second has been realized from the atomic emission line intensity originating from the sputtered copper electrode material according to its increased volatility in the presence of chlorine (modified Beilstein test).