ICP-OES AND SEM-EDX ANALYSIS OF DUST AND POWDER PRODUCED BY THE LASER-PROCESSING OF A CR-NI-STEEL ALLOY

In this investigation we compared the analytical results obtained by i nductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray analysi s system (SEM-EDX). The powder and dust, obtained by laser-processing of CRN-14301 steel, was analysed to classify the powder and dust for i ts final waste disposal. For this reason we analysed the elemental con tent of the samples. The samples consisted of a mixture of metals and their oxides. The solid powder and dust was analysed directly by SEM-E DX, the ICP-OES analysis was carried out after the solid was dissolved in an acid solution. Both analytical methods were in good agreement. ICP-OES showed a higher precision and lower detection limit than EDX, but SEM-EDX showed a higher amount of information regarding the sample composition.