Introduction to KBr Cuttings: Convenient KBr Plates for KBr Pellet Formation

Introduction

The KBr pellet method is a technique mainly used to measure solid samples. This method exploits the plasticity of alkali halides that form a transparent plate when subjected to pressure. While potassium bromide is the most common alkali halide used in pellet formation, potassium chloride (KCl) and cesium iodine (CsI) may also be used. Conventionally, pellets were formed by pulverizing KBr and the measurement sample each with an agate mortar, mixing the two to an appropriate concentration, and then applying pressure. However, compared to its crystallized state, crushed KBr readily absorbs moisture and there is also a risk of contamination from the mortar. Furthermore, press-forming work was a burden to analysts and preparing concentrations also took time. By using KBr Cuttings introduced in this article, the onerous tasks of pulverizing KBr and mixing it with samples using an agate mortar are no longer required. KBr Cuttings are plates of cut KBr crystals. Good quality KBr disks can be produced by simply setting the sample for measurement between two KBr plates, placing the combination into a pelletizer, and applying pressure. This article introduces the procedure of pellet formation using KBr Cuttings and an analysis example of pharmaceutical identification testing.

July 19, 2017 GMT