Analysis of metals by ICP-AES

Abstract

The analysis of metals is now a major application area for ICP-AES, and the technique offers several important advantages for the analysis of these materials. Speed of analysis, sensitivity, the range of determinable elements and the ability to measure simultaneously trace, minor and major constituents are significant factors in its growing acceptance in this field. However, in recognizing the advantages of ICP-AES for metal analysis, significant constraints must also be acknowledged. The product range, and consequently the range of matrices, is vast. These include such materials as aluminium and aluminium alloys, tableted powder products for aluminium and copper processing, copper-based alloys, ferro-alloys, boron-containing alloys, hardmetals, chromium metal, magnet alloys, refractory products, precious metals, steels and ferrous metals. In addition there are many specialized manufactured alloys. A further difficulty is the diversity of sample preparation techniques that have been adopted; this, no doubt, is a reflection of the diversity of materials being analysed.

Section 12.2 is based on contributions from Mr S.J. Walton, Applied Research Laboratories, Luton, UK. Section 12.3 is based substantially on the analytical programs used by London and Scandinavian Metallurgical Co. Ltd, Rotherham, UK