Analysis of the Trace Amount of Metallic Elements in Iron and Steels Using the Microwave Decomposition by ICP-AES and ICP-MS

Trace amount of metallic elements as Al, Ca and Mn, which form oxides in iron and steels, were determined by ICP-AES and ICP-MS after the decomposition of samples using HF/HCl/HNO3 under microwave irradiation. The oxides in iron and steels, which were extracted by using Br2-CH3OH extraction, could be decomposed by two-steps acid decomposition using H2SO4 followed by addition of HF in a pressurized vessel at elevated temperatures. The limits of detection for Al, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Co by microwave decomposition/ICP-MS were 0.010.36 ppm.