Silicon Determination in Stainless Steels via Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry: An Overview based on Experimental Data

Abstract

Silicon determination on stainless steel alloys via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) is a topic not yet fully explored in the literature. In the extreme acidic conditions necessary for the dissolution of these samples, phenomena such as polymerization and aggregation of silicon particles may strongly affect the result. A low recovery may be expected if the analytical steps are not properly conducted. Herein, different experimental layouts with certified reference materials are devised to demonstrate the weak spots of this technique and to provide a clear understanding on how to cope with this issue.

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of metals, chemicals and materials

“…Calibration regression coefficients when the internal standard was not used were respectable (0.8067-0.9980). However, when the 13 C was used, the regressions improved to 0.9556-0.9993. The worst performing analyte on both occasions was the Cd.…”

“…The determination of 13 C is not an easy analysis because it constitutes only 1.1% of natural C. Zakon et al developed a method by which 13 C could be determined in organic compounds (1,2-dibromoethane, 2-chloroethylbenzene and naphthalene) using GC-MC-ICP-MS. 67 The analytes were transferred from the GC instrument through via a heated transfer line with the column reaching the tip of the injector of the torch. 67 Measurements were made in low resolution mode (resolution of $300) and the instrument was tuned on the background signals of 12 C and 13 C (or possibly H 12 C) originating from atmospheric CO 2 or impurities in the argon gas.…”

“…67 Measurements were made in low resolution mode (resolution of $300) and the instrument was tuned on the background signals of 12 C and 13 C (or possibly H 12 C) originating from atmospheric CO 2 or impurities in the argon gas. Operating in low resolution mode cannot separate the 13 C from H 12 C. This is possible in medium or high resolution modes, but the concomitant drop in sensitivity (>90%) precludes this. Since the analytes were introduced to a "dry" plasma (i.e.…”

“…A 36 W UV light then irradiated the suspensions for set time periods (0, 3, 6 and 12 h). Aer each period, single particle ICP-MS was used monitoring the 13 C signal to identify the particle size distribution. The results were compared with those obtained using SEM and were in broad agreement.…”

“…3.3.4 Other applications of the analysis of polymers. A paper by Makino and Nakazato described the rapid determination of trace elements (Br, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb) with an acceptable degree of accuracy in different polymer types using LA-ICP-MS and 13 C as an internal standard. 117 Numerous CRMs of several different polymer type were analysed; two of which were used for calibration (the ones with the lowest and highest concentration for each element) and the others as samples.…”