DETERMINATION OF ANIONS IN AN EPOXY CURING AGENT BY ION CHROMATOGRAPHY

Within Martin Marietta's Analytical Services Organization (ASO), epoxy samples have traditionally been analyzed by high-performance ion chro matography (HPIC) using a bomb-prep method. Erratic sulfate results pr ompted an experimental 10% methanol preparation dissolution method to be used with subsequent analysis by HPIC. An HPIC method with isocrati c separation and micro-membrane suppression is discussed in this paper . This method is specifically for the determination of sulfur as sulfa te and fluoride in an epoxy curing agent. The new method will be used as a replacement for a current production laboratory bomb-prep HPIC me thod. Matrix interferences caused by Parr bomb (see Oxygen Combustion Bombs, Bulletin 1100, Parr Instrument, Moline, IL, USA) combustion pro ducts were eliminated using this method. A precision and bias study wa s done to document the effectiveness of the new method.