DISSOLUTION OF METAL-ALLOYS BY MODERN SAM PLE PREPARATION METHODS

Pressurized sample preparation devices (High Pressure Asher, Pressuriz ed Microwave Decomposition Device) were used to dissolve certified met al alloy samples (steel, copper) for ICP analysis. Based on the result s of the analysis it was established that both devices can be advantag eously applied to quickly and quantitatively dissolve metal alloy samp les. To dissolve the samples, two different kinds of acid mixtures (ni tric 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 concentrat ion 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 dissol ved quickly by Pressurized Microwave Decomposition device using hydroc hloric acid and diluted (1:1) nitric acid.