The determination of minor elements in steel by proton-induced prompt gamma-ray spectrometry

Pure elemental targets of Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo and W were irradiated with protons from 3.5 to 6.0 MeV, interference-free sensitivities were calculated for analysis by prompt gamma-ray spectrometry and sensitivity curves were plotted to show the variation of sensitivity with bombarding energy. Appropriate bombarding energies were selected for analysis and the extent of possible inter-element interferences and background effects were determined. Standard reference steels were used to evaluate this method for the determination of the minor elements Si, V, Cr, Mn and Co.