Effect of Graphite Furnace Degradation on Atomic Absorption Signals

The time dynamics of degradation of the working characteristics of longitudinally heated furnaces for spectrometers with electrothermal atomization of a sample in the presence of tungsten, zirconium, and palladium compounds used as chemical modifiers were studied. Visual changes in the state of the investigated furnaces are discussed. The loss of carbon material during the experiment is shown. Atomic absorption signals of silver and copper recorded at different stages of degradation of unmodified and modified furnaces are analyzed. An explanation of the reasons for the accelerated damage to the pyrographite coating and subsequent destruction of the polycrystalline graphite base of furnaces subjected to modification is suggested.