Determination of trace silver in superalloys and steels by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

A method is described for determination of silver in superalloys and steels by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The interferences of (ZrO+)-Zr-91-O-16 and (NbO+)-Nb-93-O-16 on silver were investigated in detail. By using appropriate settings of the operational parameters the interferences were minimized. Correction formulas were established for Ag-107, which was interfered by (ZrO+)-Zr-91-O-16. No matrix separation or any other sample pretreatment except for acid dissolution was made. Agreement was achieved between the levels found and the certified values. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.