A Quality System For The Production And Determination Of The Elemental Composition Of Two Coloured Soda-Lime-Silica Glass Reference Materials

The Analysis & Properties TC of the Society of Glass Technology developed a quality system to produce two coloured glass reference materials. Reference materials are used for the calibration of measuring equipment & the evaluation or validation of measurement procedures. Each participating laboratory was asked to report data on the two glass compositions, determined in triplicate,using routine methods. No laboratory used classical wet chemical procedures. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used in all cases reflecting its acceptance by the industry as a rapid, reliable & cost effective method for the realisation of material composition. The work, in accordance with IOS requirements, ensures the quality of quoted certified values. This paper describes the processes used to estimate traceability, determination of uncertainty and the role of certified reference materials.