Abstract
	The direct analysis of solid samples, without chemical pretreatment, is a goal widely pursued in order to simplify the analytical procedure. Atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction and electrothermal  atomization is a useful method of direct analysis of solids, for the direct determination of metals at trace levels in a wide variety of samples, owing to its high sensitivity, the relatively simplicity of the instrumentation and the quite low cost. This method was step by step optimized in last decades, the use of a miniatury boot or cup inserted into graphite tube improved the reproducibilty of sample insertion. The main applications were reported in the analysis of biological nad similar samples (toxic and essential elements), rarely in analysis of geological or environmental samples but applications in the area of advanced ceramic powders  are tottaly missing.
	The main problem is the standardization, there is no consensus and various calibration methods were used, e.g. calibration with solution standards, calibration using certified reference materials (CRM-s), the addition method. Also  calibration with different weights of only one CRM was recommended.  The quality of calibration process but also the precision of the method is connected with the homogenity of standards and samples, especially when extremely low sample masses are used. 
	Besides the complex discussion of mentioned problems, an example of determination  of Al and Fe in SiC - typical sample of advanced ceramic powder is described in this work. The results obtained  allow the conclusion that  an optimized SS-ETA-ZAAS method could be an succesfull alternative in the analysis of ceramic powders.