Neutron activation analyses pigments

Neutron activation analysis (NAA), based on the interaction of the object material with fast neutrons, has been used in the identification and determination of the content of elements present in pigments, coins and alloys, stone, glass, and pottery [26]. Multi-elemental analysis (about 20 elements) can be performed on small samples off less than 5 mg, with sensitivities in the ppm range. The requirement of a nuclear reactor, the handling of radioactive materials, and the time-consuming procedures required for preparing the samples are the main drawbacks of this technique. 

A wide range of analytical techniques is necessary to provide an unambiguous identification of pigments in a sample. Elemental techniques are often used, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray fluorescence (XRE) spectrometry, scanning electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), particle-induced X-ray emission (PDCE), neutron activation analysis (NAA), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled... 

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