Determination of boron in steel by isotope-dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after matrix separation

The concentration of B in steels is important due to its influence on mechanical properties of steel such as hardenability, hot workability, and creep resistance, An analytical method has been developed to determine B in steel samples by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). National Institute of Standard and Technology Standard Reference Material (NIST SRM) 348a was analyzed to validate the analytical method. The steel sample was digested in a centrifuge bottle with addition of aqua regia and 10B spike isotope. Sample pH was then adjusted to higher than 10 to precipitate most matrix elements such as Fe, Cr, and Ni. After centrifugation, the supernatant solution was passed through a cation exchange column to enhance the matrix separation efficiency. B recovery efficiency was about 37%, while matrix removal efficiency was higher than 99.9% for major matrix elements. The isotope dilution method was used for quantification and the determined B concentration was in good agreement with the certified value.