A graphite-tube resistance furnace was constructed and used in place of a flame as the atomizer for atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The applicability of the furnace technique is demonstrated. Optimum operating conditions were determined for several elements. The sensitivities obtained are comparable or better than those reported for other techniques. The preliminary data indicates that the method is especially suited to those elements which form refractory oxides.

The coating of the graphite furnace surface with refractory metal salts Increases the atomization efficiency of tin. The use of zlrconyl acetate Improves the atomization of tin, selenium, and arsenic. The treated surface shows granules containing zirconium. The zirconium concentration on the Inside of the tube decreases with Increasing atomizations. The uniformity of the zirconium-treated surface is compared to treatment with sodium salts of molybdate and tungstate.