Determination of silver and thallium in nickel-base alloys by atomic absorption spectrometry with introduction of solid samples into an induction furnace

Abstract

Atomic absorption spectrometry with an induction furnace is used for the determination of silver (0.03–12 μg g -1) and thallium (0.004–12 μg g -1) in 1–40-mg samples of nickelbase alloys dropped into the furnace. Calibration graphs of peak absorbance versus mass of element were constructed by use of standardised alloys. The accuracy, precision and limits of detection of the method are described for numerous nickel-base alloys. With alloys containing more than 0.2 μg Ag g -1 and 0.4 μg Tl g -1, relative standard deviations are usually <15% and <12%, respectively. The limits of detection for silver and thallium are 0.014 μg g -1 and 0.004 μg g -1, respectively.