Iron and Steel Analysis Using ICPE-9000

Significance of the Topic

Iron and steel are foundational materials in industry and daily life. Their mechanical and chemical properties, such as corrosion resistance and tensile strength, depend on precise elemental composition. Accurate multi‐element analysis supports quality assurance in manufacturing and research, especially when element concentrations vary from sub‐ppm trace levels to tens of percent.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the Shimadzu ICPE-9000 simultaneous inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer for comprehensive analysis of iron and steel. Certified standard reference materials representing low‐alloy steel, ferritic stainless steel, and austenitic stainless steel were analyzed to assess detection limits, accuracy, precision, and linear dynamic range.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:

• Weigh 1 g of steel sample, digest in 10 mL HNO3 and 30 mL HCl, and heat to dissolve.
• Filter the solution; ash remaining solids and fuse with a sodium carbonate/tetraborate flux.
• Dissolve the flux cake in warm water with HCl, combine with filtrate, add tartaric acid and yttrium internal standard, and dilute to 200 mL.

Calibration and Analysis:

• High-purity iron was used to prepare matrix-matched calibration standards spiked with target elements.
• Multi-element quantitation performed via calibration curve using yttrium as internal standard.
• Cross-validation of non-certified elements conducted with a high-resolution ICP (Shimadzu ICPS-8100).

Instrumentation Used

• Shimadzu ICPE-9000 simultaneous ICP-AES with CCD detector, axial observation standard, optional radial view.
• Coaxial nebulizer, cyclone spray chamber, and torch designed for high-salt matrices.
• Shimadzu ICPS-8100 high-resolution sequential ICP for verification of select elements.

Main Results and Discussion

The ICPE-9000 demonstrated detection limits down to sub-ppm levels for trace elements and linear response for major alloying elements up to ~20%. Quantified concentrations showed excellent agreement with certified values (typically within 2% relative deviation) and with ICPS-8100 results. Key elements such as Si, Mn, P, S, Cr, Ni, Mo, and Cu were determined with high precision (RSD <0.5%) across diverse steel matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The method offers rapid, simultaneous multi-element analysis, streamlining QA/QC workflows in steel production. Its broad dynamic range enables concurrent determination of trace impurities and major constituents in a single run, reducing sample throughput times and reagent use.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in detector sensitivity and plasma robustness may extend capabilities to even lower detection limits and more corrosive or high-salt samples. Integration with automated sample preparation and in-line monitoring systems could further enhance real-time process control in steel mills and metallurgical research.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu ICPE-9000 provides a robust, accurate, and efficient platform for iron and steel analysis, fulfilling the demanding requirements of modern metallurgical quality control. Its simultaneous detection and wide dynamic range make it well suited for diverse alloy characterization and routine industrial applications.