Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 31(3), 219 (2015).

Separation of Boron from Borated Paraffin Wax by Pyrohydrolysis and Alkali Extraction Methods and Its Determination Using Ion Chromatography
Vaibhavi Vishwajeet RAUT,* Subbiah JEYAKUMAR,* Dipti Jayesh SHAH,* Uday Kumar THAKUR,* Bhupendra Singh TOMAR,* and Karanam Lakshminarayana RAMAKUMAR**
*Radioanalytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India
**Radiochemistry and Isotope Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India
A method based on the pyrohydrolysis extraction of boron and its quantification with ion chromatography was proposed for paraffin waxes borated with H3BO3 and B4C. The optimum pyrohydrolysis conditions were identified. Wax samples were mixed with U3O8, which prevents the sample from flare up, and also accelerates the extraction of boron. Pyrohydrolysis was carried out with moist O2 at 950°C for 60 and 90 min for wax with H3BO3 and wax with B4C, respectively. Two simple methods of separation based on alkali extraction and melting wax in alkali were also developed exclusively for wax with H3BO3. In all the separations, the recovery of B was above 98%. During IC separation, B was separated as boron–mannitol anion complex. Linear calibration was obtained it between 0.1 and 50 ppm of B, and LOD was calculated as 5 ppb (S/N = 3). The reproducibility was better than 5% (RSD).