Determination of phosphorus mass fraction in steels of plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

A method for measuring the mass fraction of phosphorus in steels by atomic emission spectrometry with the inductively coupled plasma (AES-ICP) has been developed. Possibilities of atomic emission spectrometers of iCAP series for determination of phosphorus in steels allowing to reduce considerably duration of the analysis and to increase its profitability in comparison with chemical methods of the analysis are investigated. A method of decomposition of steel for the complete transfer of phosphorus into solution is proposed. The possibility of software spectrometers “iTeva” in the analysis by the method of relative concentrations. Calibration of the spectrometer was carried out on aqueous solutions with a known concentration of phosphorus using the method of relative concentrations. For the preparation of calibration solutions, chemically pure salt was used. The analytical line free from spectral overlays is selected. A good correlation of the calibration graph is obtained. The correctness of the determination is confirmed by the analysis of standard samples and comparison with the results of the determination in accordance with the chemical method. The developed technique is used in determining the mass fraction of phosphorus in steels. Validation of the methodology was carried out. iCAP spectrometers can be used to determine the mass fraction of phosphorus in steels.