Synthetic multi-element standards for QC/QA of k0-NAA: study of composition, doping procedure and homogeneity

With the aim to demonstrate the quality of the implementation of k0-NAA in a laboratory, synthetic multi-element standards (SMELS) are being developed consisting of an inert material doped with a variety of analytically interesting elements. In the present paper, an outline is given of the results obtained thus far in the development of the SMELS. These results are related to the choice of the doping elements and their optimum concentrations, the selection of the matrix components, the doping procedure itself and the therefrom resulting homogeneity. Further work envisaged is the refinement and optimisation of the above steps, followed by the final preparation, homogeneity control and characterisation of the SMELS.