International Journal of Scientific and Technological Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2422-8702 (Online) Vol 1, No.2, 2015 179 | Page www.iiste.org The Determination of the Most Appropriate Matrix Modifier for Tin Analysis by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Method Gulsah Teke Ahi Evran University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Chemistry, 40100, Kirsehir, Turkey Metehan Yazicioglu Ankara University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 06100, Ankara, Turkey Orhan Atakol Ankara University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 06100, Ankara, Turkey Sevi Oz (Corresponding author) Ahi Evran University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Chemistry, 40100, Kirsehir, Turkey E-mail: sevioz@hotmail.com Abstract In this study, the matrix modifier items given for tin in the literature have been determined, tin analyses have been made in the same conditions by using these substances, and by comparing the results, and optimum matrix modifier has been selected. The most appropriate concentration of the selected matrix modifier has been determined. It was seen that the most appropriate one among the 10 matrix modifiers specified in the studies in the literature was Mg(NO3)2, and that 4 - 5% concentrations of this substance were suitable concentrations for the ETAAS method. The results were compared by working with this matrix modifier on two standard reference materials and a commercial solder sample. The declared correct values of the reference materials and besides this, the results found with gravimetric and XRF have been accepted as correct values, and the results have been interpreted. Keywords: Matrix modifier, Sn analysis, ETAAS method 1. Introduction Many sources state that flame atomic absorption method (FAAS) can be used in the determination of the Cr, Mo and Sn elements with the atomic absorption spectrometry method. What’s more, in the catalogs given by the atomic absorption device manufacturer companies together with the device, they declare designation boundaries which can be said to be quite low in the determination of these elements via FAAS method. However, in the applications in practice, these elements cannot be determined as easily via FAAS as it is said. These elements show fairly low absorbance values and the designation limits stated in these catalogs can never be reached. For example, the value specified for Sn in the catalog of many devices is generally between 1-140 mg/dm 3 (ppm) for FAAS, however even when working with pure standards within these limits, a