The grinding materials used for the preparation of the surfaces of specimens prior to analysis by optical emission or X-ray emission spectroscopy can contaminate the surface and thus produce erroneous results. This guide provides examples of the effects of these contaminations and recommendations for evaluating grinding materials to eliminate or reduce these effects in spectrochemical analysis.

The examples given in this guide are not the only contaminations which can occur. Especially in X-ray spectrometry, all phases of the surface preparation should be examined for potential contamination effects.

Analytical significance of the contaminations observed depends on the needs of the analyst for the particular application at a given concentration level.

1.1 This guide covers recommendations for the evaluation of various grinding materials used to prepare the surfaces of specimens to be analyzed by optical emission or X-ray emission spectroscopy.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.