THE DETERMINATION OF QUARTZ USING DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY

Based on the results of this feasibility study, differential scanning calorimetry appears to be a promising technique for determining quartz in powdered samples. The method can avoid interferences, uses relativ ely inexpensive equipment compared to many of the more conventional te chniques, and requires minimal operator skill. For samples containing quartz only, the method has good precision and sensitivity and exhibit s a linear response for a wide range (20-10 000 mug) of quartz content s. Although as little as 20 mug of quartz could be detected, the lower limit of detection was not determined. Also, estimates of accuracy an d precision for quartz in sample mixtures are still needed. It is like ly that optimization of instrumental and sample mounting parameters wi ll result in improved peak response, detection limits, and precision.