Determination of trace silver in superalloys and steels by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry,

A method is described for determination of silver in superalloys and steels by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The interferences of 91Zr16O+ and 93Nb16O+ on silver were investigated in detail. By using appropriate settings of the operational parameters the interferences were minimized. Correction formulas were established for 107Ag, which was interfered by 91Zr16O+. No matrix separation or any other sample pretreatment except for acid dissolution was made. Agreement was achieved between the levels found and the certified values.