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The primary goal of the research was really to see whether or not neutron activation analysis (NAA) was better for quality control purposes than the industry standard, ICP-AES. The uncertainties show that NAA is MUCH more accurate than ICP-AES. I understand that most oil manufacturers don't necessarily have regular access to a nuclear reactor, but ICP-AES is a really lousy way to determine additive concentrations
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I don't think there was a scientific analysis between the two regarding uncertainty. I don't think his method for uncertainty analysis is necessary even valid. I would think matrix spike would be the method of choice or at a minimum part of the analysis. And in the final analysis, if the ICP is 5% off, does that really change anything. Does anyone think that good verses bad oil would have anything to do with it being 1200 ppm +/- 5%.

Finally, I've done undergrad research, and have managed undergrad researchers. Always interesting stuff. Never even close to authoritative.