Improvements in the spectrochemical analysis of aluminum with point-to-plane, high-voltage spark excitation are obtained by using nitrogen shielding of the discharge zone. The improvements, relative to excitation in air, include: increased spectral line intensity; decrease in the concentration equivalent of background; reduction of the influence of sample composition on background; reduction of the influence of the graphite counter electrode structure on spectral intensity; increased precision; and minimized interelement effects as judged by a reduction in the number of analytical curves required for analysis. Variables investigated in establishing the method are discussed and control parameters for consistency of operation are described. A bibliography on the development of gaseous shielding for spark discharges is included.
A procedure is described for preparation of aluminum powder briquets for spectrochemical analysis. To prevent die seizure and to facilitate handling of the briquet, the powdered sample is loaded into an aluminum cap and pressed. Data are presented for this type sample that has been analyzed by optical emission spectroscopy with point-to-plane spark excitation and by x-ray fluorescence.
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