Determination of tin in copper by radiochemical proton activation analysis

A new method for the determination of traces of tin in copper by radiochemical proton activation analysis was developed. The possibilites of (p,n) induces reactions leading to antimony-120m, -122, abd -124 have been investigated. Special attention was paid to the proper choice of the proton energy with respect to the detection limit and the nuclear interferences. A quantitative and selective separation of antimony, based on cation exchange and precipitation, was developed. The method has successfully proved its capabilities in the BCR (Community Bureau of Reference) certification campaign and has significantly contributed to the certification of the tin content at the submicrogram per gram concentration level