Microwave sample preparation for detection of Si, P, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, and W using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in engineering steels

The article describes the procedure of microwave decomposition of engineering alloy steel during stepwise microwave heating and detection of Si, P, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, and W using ICP-AES. The composition of the mixture of acids and the parameters of sample microwave decomposition in an autoclave are optimized, thus facilitating threefold reduction of analysis time. The accuracy of detection of Si, P, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, and W is verified by analysis of reference specimens and comparison with the data acquired by conventional methods.