Non-destructive elemental analysis of large meteorite samples by prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis with the internal mono-standard method

Abstract

Prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) using the internal mono-standard method was tested for its applicability to analyzing large solid samples including irregularly shaped meteorite samples. For evaluating the accuracy and precision of the method, large quantities of the Geological Survey of Japan standardized rock powders (JB-1a, JG-1a, and JP-1) were analyzed and 12 elements (B, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Sm, and Gd) were determined by using Si as an internal standard element. Analytical results were mostly in agreement with literature values within 10 %. The precision of the method was also shown to be within 10 % (1σ) for most of these elements. The analytical procedure was then applied to four stony meteorites (Allende, Kimble County, Leedey, Lake Labyrinth) and four iron meteorites (Canyon Diablo, Toluca (Mexico), Toluca (Xiquipilco), Squaw Creek) consisting of large chunks or single slabs. For stony meteorites, major elements (Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, and Ni), minor elements (Na and Mn) and trace element (B, Cl, K, Ti, Co, and Sm) were determined with adequate accuracy. For iron meteorites, results for the Co and Ni mass fractions determined are all consistent with corresponding literature values. After the analysis, it was confirmed that the residual radioactivity remaining in the sample after PGNAA was very low and decreased down to the background level. This study shows that PGNAA with the internal mono-standard method is highly practical for determining the elemental composition of large, irregularly shaped solid samples including meteorites.

Kilogram Sample Analysis by Nuclear Analytical Techniques: Complementary Opportunities for the Mineral and Geosciences

“…Large-sample prompt gamma analysis was applied to eight, relatively large and irregularly shaped meteorite specimens (four stony and four iron) [56]. The stony meteorites had masses of about 10-50 g; the masses of the iron meteorites varied from about 50 g to about 1.3 kg.…”

Towards a methodology for bulk sample neutron activation analysis

“…PGNAA is used for analysing large solid samples, including irregularly shaped meteorite samples [12,13]. Archaeological objects, such as bronzes, were analysed by this method [14].…”

A Dosimetry Study of Deuterium-Deuterium Neutron Generator-based In Vivo Neutron Activation Analysis

“…NEUTRON ACTIVATION analysis (NAA) has been employed for many years in multiple disciplines including, but not limited to geology, chemistry, metallurgy, criminology, medicine, astronautics, and agriculture (Corliss 1968;Sedda and Rossi 2011;Kim et al 2011;Latif et al 2013). The NAA method is used at Purdue University to detect manganese in human hand bone in vivo and will eventually expand to detect other potentially toxic elements in bone (Liu et al 2013(Liu et al , 2014.…”