Analysis of Nickel and Nickel Base Alloys

Importance of Topic

Nickel and its alloys are widely used for their superior resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. Reliable elemental analysis of these materials is essential for quality control, research, and industrial applications where alloy composition directly affects performance and durability.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES) for the analysis of nickel and nickel-base alloys. The main goals are to assess analytical speed, precision, accuracy, and the method’s capability to analyze multiple elements across a broad concentration range.

Methodology and Instrumentation

GD-OES uses a low-temperature glow discharge to sputter atoms from a flat sample surface in an argon plasma. Emission lines from ground-state atoms minimize spectral complexity and interferences. Calibration curves are linear over wide dynamic ranges, often using single wavelengths to cover both trace and major concentrations.

Used Instrumentation

The analyses were performed on LECO GDS-400A series glow discharge optical emission spectrometers equipped with GDS lamps, argon plasma generation, and water-cooled cathodes. Sample surface preparation was conducted with silicon carbide wet discs.

Main Results and Discussion

Typical analysis requires ~30 s for startup and pre-burn plus ~10 s for measurement, totaling ~40 s per sample. Representative results for various nickel alloys demonstrate high precision, with relative standard deviations below 2% for most elements. For example, a Ni-30Cr-13W-9Co alloy showed RSDs under 1% for Cr, Co, and W. Boron concentrations in Ni-Cr-B alloys were measured with RSDs below 0.5%. Comparison with certified standards confirmed accuracy within 1–2% of reference values.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid analysis and high sample throughput
• Minimal sample preparation without fusion or complex machining
• Broad dynamic range and linear calibrations reducing standard consumption
• Low spectral interferences due to ground-state excitation
• Capability to detect both trace and major elements in a single run

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integration of chemometric algorithms to refine calibration models, depth profiling capabilities for coating analysis, and automated workflows for inline process monitoring. Expanded wavelength coverage and improved detectors will further enhance sensitivity for light elements and trace contaminants.

Conclusion

Glow discharge optical emission spectrometry on the LECO GDS-400A platform offers a robust, fast, and accurate approach for multi-element analysis of nickel and nickel-base alloys. Its combination of minimal sample prep, high precision, and wide dynamic range makes it well suited for industrial quality control and research laboratories.