Analysis of steels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

The applicability of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to the analysis of steel samples has been investigated. The samples analysed were National Bureau of Standards Standard Reference Materials which were dissolved and run as solutions. The capability of this technique for qualitative analysis is illustrated, potential spectral interferences are tabulated and matrix effects due to the presence of excess of Fe are evaluated. Using appropriate instrument settings and internal standardisation, these samples can be analysed using aqueous standard solutions.