Rapid method for the determination of phosphides in stainless-steel slag by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

A rapid and simple method to determine phosphides in stainless-steel slag is described. Phosphides are determined in stainless-steel slag either to check the extent of de-phosphorisation of the steel or when the slag is to be disposed of on the land. Dissolution of the slag with hydrochloric acid was carried out to generate phosphine, which was fixed in a saturated bromine solution. After removal of the excess of bromine, the concentration of phosphorus was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The limit of detection was 0.5 µg g^–1 of phosphorus, i.e., 1 µg g^–1 in analysing a 50-g sample.