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.