DISSOLUTION OF METAL-ALLOYS BY MODERN SAMPLE PREPARATION METHODS

Pressurized sample preparation devices (High Pressure Asher, Pressurized Microwave Decomposition Device) were used to dissolve certified metal alloy samples (steel, copper) for ICP analysis. Based on the results of the analysis it was established that both devices can be advantageously applied to quickly and quantitatively dissolve metal alloy samples. To dissolve the samples, two different kinds of acid mixtures (nitric and hydrochloric acid; nitric and hydrochloric and sulphuric and phosphoric acid) were used. The sample preparation is simpler and less time-consuming, sample loss and degree of contamination are reduced. Steel samples containing tungsten, titanium and niobium (less than 0.5%) can only be analyzed using the mixture of four acids. By dissolving steel samples in nitric and hydrochloric acid mixture, the concentration of their most common elements (Cr, Ni, Mn, V, Cu) as well as their S and P content can be determined. Copper alloy samples can be dissolved quickly by Pressurized Microwave Decomposition device using hydrochloric acid and diluted (1:1) nitric acid.