On-line electrolytic dissolution of alloys in flow-injection analysis. Part 3. Multi-elemental analysis of stainless steels by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

The simultaneous determination of chromium, nickel, manganese, silicon and iron in stainless steels was achieved by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) after on-line electrodissolution using an improved flow-through electrolytic cell. The solution containing the electrodissolved ions was impelled by an air carrier stream in a flow-injection manifold towards a mixing-dilution chamber. From this chamber, the diluted and homogenized solution was aspirated and nebulized into the ICP torch. A quantification procedure is proposed for direct solid analysis without the use of certified reference materials. Under the proposed electrolysis conditions, up to 60 solid samples can be analysed per hour. Results obtained for alloying elements in austenitic and ferritic stainless steels were in good agreement with the certified values.