[PolymerScienceStudent]

I am wondering if anyone has any tips for determining the zinc content of a solution similar to this: http://www.byk.com/fileadmin/byk/additives/highlights/usa_wax_emulsions/chemcor/TDS_ZAC_US.pdf (containing zinc oxide and ammonium carbonate).

Would you proceed with EDTA? Would the carbonate groups interfere?

THANKS!

[kriggy]

I would go for AAS

[PolymerScienceStudent]

I would go for AAS

I think your line of thinking is definitely smarter

We were actually curious to see how the results from the EDTA method compared to results generated via instrumentation... but I was mainly concerned with whether EDTA was suitable for use on a solution like this.

[Borek]

Solution has already pH around 10, and standard procedure calls for ammonia buffer to get pH to this level. I don't see why carbonates should interfere (especially if the solution is clear and there is no precipitate).

Doesn't mean they don't interfere - but I doubt.

You can always try to acidify the solution and boil it to get rid of carbonates, then add ammonia till pH gets high enough.

[PolymerScienceStudent]

Awesome suggestions! Thanks, Borek! The solution does have a precipitate... but I'll just try and make sure it's uniform so I can get accurate/reproducible results.