28 August 2026, Volume 46 Issue 8
    

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  • Characterization of secondary side deposits in steam generators at an operating nuclear power plant in China
    Wang Guohua, Zhang Dongping, Yang Yue, Li Shiwei Zhang Ting, Liang Yuanyuan, Deng Chuandong
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 1-6. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013091
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    Corrosion products accumulate on the heat transfer tubes and tube sheets of steam generators during nuclear power plant operation. To develop mild and efficient cleaning strategies, gaining a thorough understanding of the chemical composition of these secondary side deposits is essential. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to conduct a comprehensive characterization of the deposits' morphology, particle size distribution, surface elemental composition and distribution, elemental valence states, and phase composition. Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF) was utilized to quantify the content of the major element (Fe) and trace elements (including Cu, Pb, Al, Cr, Ti, Mn, Ni, C, S and P). Results indicate that the primary constituent of the deposits is cubic-structured Fe3O4, with an average aggregate particle size of approximately 10.5 μm. Both major and trace elements are uniformly distributed across the deposit surface, and iron exists in both +2 and +3 valence states. These chemical composition data provide robust support for the formulation and optimization of cleaning strategies for the secondary side of steam generators.
  • Cause analysis of squat in fixed flash-butt welded joint of U75V rail
    Wang Chenyang
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 7-13. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013151
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    With the rapid development of high-speed and heavy-haul railways in China, the service safety of rail welded joints is crucial to the stable operation of railway lines. In this study, a squat occurring at a fixed flash-butt welded joint of U75V rail on a high-speed railway line was taken as the research object. Systematic failure analysis on the formation mechanism of the squat was conducted by means of macroscopic fracture morphology observation, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) analysis, and metallographic examination. The results indicate that the squat is an internal transverse fatigue crack in the rail head. The crack initiated from grey spot inclusions at the weld fusion line of the rail head, and the grey spot inclusions were mainly composed of oxides and silicates of Si, Mn, etc. Under wheel-rail contact stress, the crack initiated from the grey spot inclusions and propagated by fatigue, eventually forming an internal squat with a size of approximately 18 mm (rail width direction) ×10 mm (rail height direction). Optimizing flash welding parameters (such as extending preheating time and reducing preheating voltage) can effectively reduce the generation of grey spot inclusions. Strengthening the non-destructive testing process of welds is the key measure to prevent joints with grey spot defects from being placed into service.
  • Determination of hydrogen in metallic hafnium by high- temperature thermal desorption-mass spectrometry
    Zhang Tianguang, Wang Long, Yang Yan, Xie Hanfang Zhao Xudong, Li Hengyu, Zhao Tingting
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 14-19. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013084
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    Hydrogen can significantly deteriorate the mechanical properties of metallic hafnium; therefore, accurate determination and strict control of its hydrogen content are of great importance. In this study, a high-temperature thermal desorption hydrogen analyzer was employed to optimize the determination of hydrogen in metallic hafnium by high-temperature thermal desorption-mass spectrometry. The effects of sample mass, thermal desorption temperature, heating rate, and background interference were systematically investigated. Optimal performance was achieved when samples were soaked and rinsed with absolute ethanol prior to analysis, with a sample mass of 0.11 g, desorption at 800 ℃ (heating rate 10 ℃/min), and using a standard leak with a leak rate of 6.2×10-10 Pa·m3/s. The limit of quantification was 0.000 2% (mass fraction). Precision evaluation of actual metallic hafnium samples yielded relative standard deviations (RSD, n=7) of less than 10%, and recoveries ranged from 92% to 108%. The results obtained by the proposed method showed good agreement with those obtained by inert gas fusion-infrared absorption spectrometry.
  • Determination of nickel, cobalt and manganese in lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with fusion sample preparation
    Ye Shu’ai, Cai Luxin, Dong Qingmu, Lin Anyi, Chen Xiaoling, Jie Ninggang
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 20-26. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013114
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    To improve the detection efficiency and data accuracy of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, shorten customs clearance time, and reduce trade disputes, it is necessary to establish a rapid and accurate method for determining the contents of nickel, cobalt, and manganese. In this study, the influencing factors including mixed flux, dilution ratio, oxidant, release agent, fusion temperature, fusion time and matrix-modifying elements were systematically investigated. The optimal sample fusion conditions were determined as follows: lithium tetraborate-lithium metaborate (mass ratio of 67∶33) was selected as the mixed flux with a dilution ratio of 1∶14; lithium nitrate solution (220 g/L) was used as the oxidant, and lithium bromide solution (600 g/L) was used as the release agent; the fusion temperature was 1 050 ℃ and the fusion time was 8 min. Calibration sample series were prepared using high-purity oxides. Tungsten and zirconium were added for matrix matching, and the total sample mass was balanced with the mixed flux. The calibration curves for nickel, cobalt, and manganese by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) were established. The linear ranges were 10%-50%, 5%-30%, and 5%-30% (mass fraction, the same below), respectively. The correlation coefficients (r) of the linear regression equations were all greater than 0.999. The limits of detection were 0.002 9%, 0.005 9%, and 0.005 7%, respectively. According to the experimental method, the relative standard deviations (RSD, n=11) of the determination results ranged from 0.34% to 0.42%. Verified by the industry standard method YS/T 1006.2-2014 (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, ICP-AES), the proposed method exhibited high accuracy, and the determination results were in good agreement with those obtained by the standard method. The method demonstrates a high degree of automation, is environmentally friendly, and can meet the quality control requirements for the rapid and accurate detection of imported lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide.
  • Determination of silicon,aluminum,calcium and iron in silicon carbide by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with stepwise oxidation-fusion sample preparation
    Liang Xiaolong, Yu Lihui, Liu Yong
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 27-32. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013076
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    Silicon carbide (SiC) materials are widely used in modern industries owing to their excellent thermal stability, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Accurate determination of silicon,aluminum,calcium and iron is essential for improving material performance. In this study, a rapid analytical method was developed based on stepwise oxidation-fusion sample preparation coupled with X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Key sample preparation parameters were systematically optimized as follows: sample mass of 0.1 g; ashing at 650 ℃ for 2 h; Li2B4O7-Li2CO3 mixed flux; 1.0 mL of ammonium iodide (NH4I) solution as the releasing agent; and stepwise pre-oxidation of the filter paper-wrapped sample in a porcelain crucible padded with graphite powder, which effectively prevented corrosion of the platinum crucible. Under the optimized conditions, well-linear calibration curves were obtained with coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.995 1 to 0.999 7. The limits of detection for the target elements were between 1.17 μg/g and 4.16 μg/g. The proposed method was applied to the determination of silicon,aluminum,calcium and iron in the certified reference material YSBC28688. The relative standard deviations (RSD, n=11) for silicon were less than 1%, while those for aluminum,calcium and iron were all below 3%. The measured values for the synthesized calibration samples agreed well with the theoretical values. The method is simple to operate and offers high analytical efficiency, making it suitable for the rapid and accurate analysis of silicon carbide materials.
  • Determination of major components in silica fume by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with fusion sample preparation
    Li Weiping, Wang Zhibiao, Liu Weixia
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 33-40. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013244
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    Silica fume is a by-product from the smelting process of ferroalloys and metallic silicon, and it is widely applied in cement refractory castables as a high-quality refractory binder. However, impurity elements such as K2O and Na2O can significantly degrade the high-temperature performance of refractory materials, and their contents must be strictly controlled. Therefore, establishing a rapid and accurate method for the determination of chemical compositions in silica fume, especially impurity elements, is crucial for improving product quality, expanding application prospects, and optimizing production processes of refractory materials. In this study, samples were fused into glass beads at 1 100 ℃ for 10 min using Li2B4O7-LiBO2 (m∶m=67∶33) as the mixed flux and 300 g/L NH4I solution as the release agent. This preparation effectively eliminated particle size effects and mineralogical effects, thereby significantly improving analytical accuracy. To address the scarcity of certified reference materials for silica fume and the limited concentration coverage of impurity elements, calibration curves were constructed using both certified reference materials/samples (including quartzite, silica brick, potassium feldspar and albite) and synthetically prepared calibration samples, which substantially extended the determination ranges for target components, particularly K2O and Na2O. Matrix correction was performed using the PH model, which integrated the empirical coefficient method and the theoretical α coefficient method. Based on this approach, a fused bead-XRF method was developed for the simultaneous determination of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O, CaO and MgO in silica fume. The precision quality factors (K) of the calibration curves for all components were less than 0.07, and the limits of detection ranged from 0.010% to 0.039% (mass fraction). The relative standard deviations (RSD, n=11) for the determination of these components were all below 6%. Comparative analyses of certified reference materials (silica brick 421, siliceous sandstone GBW03114, and potassium feldspar GBW(E)070144) using the proposed method and the national standard method GB/T 6901-2017 yielded consistent results that agreed well with the certified values.
  • Determination of high-level mercury in copper concentrate by direct mercury analysis with activated carbon dilution and sodium carbonate-assisted sulfur trapping
    Liu Benwei, Wang Yan, Zhang Jing, Song Jing, Zhang Peng, Liu Zhenwei
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 41-46. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013089
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    In the determination of mercury in copper concentrate by solid sampling-direct mercury analysis (DMA), standard methods typically have a low upper limit of determination (up to 21 μg/g), which fails to meet the requirements for high-mercury samples. Additionally, high sulfur content in samples shortens the service life of the catalytic tube, and residual mercury in the instrument causes significant memory effects. In this study, activated carbon was employed for sample dilution, extending the upper limit of determination to 200 μg/g (and to over 1 000 μg/g after secondary dilution). Sodium carbonate acted as a sulfur-trapping agent, effectively suppressing sulfur release and prolonging the catalytic tube lifespan. Sample dilution also reduced the mercury content per injection, thereby mitigating memory effects. Under optimized instrumental conditions, the coefficients of determination for the calibration curves were 0.999 9 (1-20 ng) and 0.999 0 (20-100 ng). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.19 ng and 0.64 ng, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD,n=7) for the determination of three copper concentrate samples ranged from 0.94% to 2.3%. Comparative analysis with atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) according to SN/T 4364-2015 revealed no significant difference via t-test. Furthermore, the results for certified reference materials agreed well with the certified values. The proposed method is simple, accurate, and suitable for the rapid determination of high-mercury copper concentrates.
  • Determination of trace bismuth in high-antimony lead concentrate by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry
    Zhang Lu, Ye Lingling, Liu Xiaoling, Bi Haiding Zhong Guiyuan, Wu Xueying, Zhang Yiyan
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 47-54. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013083
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    To address the difficulties in determining trace bismuth in high-antimony lead concentrates caused by severe antimony matrix interference and insufficient sensitivity of conventional methods, a method based on hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) was developed. Samples were digested with a mixed acid system (NH4HF2-HCl-HNO3-HClO4), and HBr volatilization was applied to effectively eliminate the high-antimony matrix interference. Optimization experiments yielded the following conditions: HCl medium 10% (V/V), thiourea-ascorbic acid mixed solution 10 mL, standing time 30 min, and KBH4 solution 20 g/L. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curve was linear over 10.0-120.0 μg/L Bi (correlation coefficient,r=0.999 9), and the limit of detection for method was 0.000 4% (mass fraction). Five actual high-antimony lead concentrate samples were analyzed in eleven replicates, with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 1.4%-2.5%. The results agreed well with those by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The proposed method is simple, sensitive, anti-interference-capable, accurate and rapid, and is suitable for routine determination of trace Bi in high-antimony lead concentrates.
  • Determination of sulfur in iron ore containing water of crystallization by high-temperature tubular furnace combustion-infrared absorption method
    Zheng Yunlong, Wei Bingyan, Liu Qingshan, Wang Zhaorui, Wang Hong
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 55-61. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013079
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    The rapid and accurate determination of sulfur content in iron ore is of great significance for trade settlement, production control, and environmental protection. To address the interference caused by water of crystallization in iron ore during sulfur detection, an analytical method based on high-temperature tubular furnace combustion-infrared absorption spectrometry was established. Experimental conditions were optimized as follows: sample mass was 0.2 g, furnace temperature was 1 350 ℃, and wire-form copper oxide was used as a flux to ensure stable and complete release of sulfur, which was subsequently transferred to the infrared detection system. The determination range of sulfur in this method was 0.002 8%-2.61% (mass fraction). The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.000 34%, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.001 13%. Calibration curves were constructed over separate concentration intervals, with linear correlation coefficients all greater than 0.999. Six replicate measurements were performed on CRMs and actual samples, yielding relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 0.45% to 2.7%. The t-test results for certified reference materials showed no significant difference between the measured values and certified values, confirming good accuracy of the method. For iron ores containing water of crystallization, comparative results between this method and the high-frequency combustion infrared absorption method indicated that the F-value from the precision comparison exceeded the critical value F0.05(5,5)=5.05, demonstrating a significant difference in precision between the two methods. Furthermore, the high-temperature tubular furnace method exhibited obvious advantages in repeatability, accuracy, and resistance to water interference, making it suitable for the accurate analysis of ore samples containing crystalline water. This method has been developed into an industry standard and is being promoted for widespread application.
  • Determination of acid-soluble cobalt in copper-cobalt oxide ore from the Democratic Republic of Congo by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
    Liu Junzhu, Xian Yun, Li Fangjie, Bai Xiaoye, Cui Bocheng, Ma Xiaohui
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 62-67. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013096
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    Copper-cobalt oxide ore is an important strategic resource, and its trade pricing and process optimization depend highly on the accurate determination of acid-soluble cobalt content. To align the analytical procedure with actual hydrometallurgical practices, this study established a method for the determination of acid-soluble cobalt in copper-cobalt oxide ores using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The method was designed to closely simulate the industrial leaching process employed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Using sodium metabisulfite as a reducing agent, samples were leached at room temperature in a dilute sulfuric acid medium to efficiently extract acid-soluble cobalt. The sample pretreatment process was systematically optimized. Key parameters(including the dosage of sodium metabisulfite, sulfuric acid concentration and volume, and oscillation time)were investigated for their effects on cobalt leaching efficiency. The results indicated that optimal leaching was achieved under the following conditions: 0.6 g of sodium metabisulfite, 5%(V/V) sulfuric acid, 40 mL of 5% sulfuric acid, and an oscillation time of 60 min. The proposed method was applied to determine acid-soluble cobalt in three DRC copper-cobalt oxide ore samples of varying grades. The relative standard deviations (RSD,n=10) ranged from 0.63% to 2.0%, and the spiked recoveries varied from 97% to 104%. The method offers advantages of simple operation, high accuracy, and good reproducibility. It is well-matched with actual production processes and is suitable for the rapid determination of acid-soluble cobalt in mining and smelting enterprises, providing reliable analytical support for ore trade pricing and hydrometallurgical process control.
  • Determination of gold in blister copper by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with foam plastic enrichment
    Chen Zhuhai, Feng Hulin, Long Xiujia, Cao Xiao
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 68-73. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013072
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    The accurate determination of gold in blister copper is of great significance for the efficient utilization of resources and the optimization of smelting processes. An analytical method for the determination of gold in blister copper based on foam plastic enrichment-inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was established in this study. Sample pretreatment consisted of copper dissolution with nitric acid, high-temperature decarburization with sulfuric acid, and gold dissolution with aqua regia, which effectively eliminated carbon residue and matrix interference. Gold was dynamically adsorbed by foam plastic and desorbed with thiourea solution for enrichment. Au 242.795 nm was selected as the analytical spectral line. The sampling mass was up to 10.000 0 g, which significantly improved sample representativeness. The calibration curve showed good linearity with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 7. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for gold were 0.005 1 g/t and 0.017 g/t, respectively. The RSD (n=7) of determination results was less than 3%, and recoveries ranged from 95% to 105%. Compared with YS/T 521.2-2019 (fire assay gravimetric method), a t-test indicated no statistically significant difference between the two methods. The proposed method avoids lead pollution and is more environmentally friendly, suitable for rapid and batch analysis of trace gold in blister copper, providing a reliable technical approach for smelting process quality control.
  • Determination of 14 components in high-arsenic, high-antimony and high-bismuth polymetallic ores by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry
    Guo Bangke, Hu Weikang, He Lian, Li Guangyi, Ma Jingzhi, Li Ce
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 74-81. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013068
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    To simplify the multi-element analytical procedure of ores, a rapid analytical method based on four-acid digestion (hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid and perchloric acid) combined with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was established for the simultaneous determination of 14 components in high-arsenic, high-antimony and high-bismuth polymetallic ores, including arsenic, antimony, bismuth, copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, molybdenum, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, iron oxide, manganese oxide, potassium oxide and sodium oxide. The optimal acid digestion ratio was confirmed as 10 mL nitric acid, 5 mL hydrochloric acid, 2 mL hydrofluoric acid and 1 mL perchloric acid. The analytical spectral lines were properly selected. The calibration curves for all components showed good linearity, and the correlation coefficients were all above 0.999. The limits of detection ranged from 0.78 μg/g to 47.0 μg/g. Fourteen components in certified reference materials of ore were determined according to the experimental method. The relative standard deviations (RSD, n=6) of determination results were less than 6.0%, and the relative errors (RE) were less than 10%, which could meet the requirements in Quality Management Specification for Laboratory Testing of Geological and Mineral Resources. This method and the standard method were used to determine 14 components in actual samples, and the measured results of two methods were consistent. The proposed method was accurate and efficient, and it was suitable for the rapid analysis of practical ore samples.
  • Determination of high-level scandium in shape memory magnesium alloy for automotive lightweighting by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry
    Li Xiaojun, Wang Binqi, Wang Zhimin, Peng Wei, Zhao Jianfeng
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 82-88. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013235
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    Scandium is a key alloying element in shape memory magnesium alloys for automotive lightweighting components. In this study, samples were dissolved with hydrochloric acid (1+1) and hydrogen peroxide. The matrix matching method was adopted to compensate for the matrix effect. Sc 363.075{93} nm was selected as the analytical wavelength. An analytical method for the determination of high-level scandium by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was established. The results showed that the linear correlation coefficient of the calibration curve for scandium was 0.999 9. The limit of detection of this method was 0.000 29% (mass fraction, unless otherwise stated), and the lower limit of quantification was 0.000 967%. Method verification indicated that the absolute relative errors between the mean measured values and the certified reference values of quality control samples were 0.22%-0.48%, showing good consistency. The relative standard deviations (RSD,n=7) of determination results of scandium in practical samples were between 0.13% and 0.60%, and the recoveries ranged from 91.7% to 94.4%. The proposed method was accurate and reliable, and it was suitable for the rapid determination of high-level scandium in shape memory magnesium alloys for automotive lightweighting.
  • Determination of tin in silver-containing lead-bismuth alloy ingot by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry
    Ren Lihua
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 89-94. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013230
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    The dissolution of silver-containing lead-bismuth alloy ingot samples presents challenges for tin determination: nitric acid readily forms insoluble metastannic acid with tin, while hydrochloric acid causes precipitation of silver and lead chlorides. This study established a sample pretreatment method involving "cold dissolution with dilute nitric acid, heating with sulfuric acid, and complexation with tartaric acid." Coupled with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), this method enables the accurate determination of tin of 0.1%-3% (mass fraction, the same below) in such alloys. Experimental conditions were systematically optimized. The analytical spectral line Sn 189.989 nm was selected. The optimal dissolution procedure entailed treating 0.500 0 g of sample with 50 mL of nitric acid (1+1) in the cold, followed by the addition of 5 mL of sulfuric acid and 10 mL of 200 g/L tartaric acid solution, and subsequent low-temperature heating until complete dissolution. Following the transfer of an aliquot, 1 mL of 200 g/L tartaric acid solution was added, and the nitric acid volume fraction in the final test medium was controlled at 10%. Coexisting elements (e.g., lead, bismuth, antimony) did not cause significant spectral interferences within their actual concentration ranges. The calibration curve showed excellent linearity for tin in the concentration range of 0.50-15.00 mg/L, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 1.000. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for tin were 0.000 52% and 0.001 7%, respectively. Application of the method to two alloy ingot samples yielded relative standard deviations (RSD, n=7) of 1.4%-1.5% and recoveries of 98.5%-105.0%. The proposed method offers advantages including simplicity, complete dissolution, high precision, and accuracy, making it suitable for routine production monitoring and quality control of tin in silver-containing lead-bismuth alloy ingots at non-ferrous metal smelting enterprises.
  • Discussion on the analytical capability of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for carbon under vacuum environment
    Guo Yanqing, Lu Fei, Fan Xin
    Metallurgical Analysis. 2026, 46(8): 95-103. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1000-7571.013101
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    The analytical capability of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry under vacuum environment for the determination of carbon in cast iron, high-chromium cast iron, medium-low alloy steel, and stainless steel with varying carbon contents was investigated in this study. The instrumental measurement conditions, including tube voltage, tube current, analysis angle, counting time, pulse height distribution (PHD), window width, and background subtraction, were optimized. When the sample was treated using a milling machine, a cutter head rotation speed of 600 r/min and a milling forward speed of 300 mm/min could yield consistent and fine-textured sample surfaces, thus ensuring the accuracy of results. In addition, the samples should be prepared and analyzed promptly. If the samples were stored for too long, their surfaces must be reprepared prior to analysis. Under the optimized experimental conditions, an analytical method for determining carbon in cast iron, high-chromium cast iron, medium-low alloy steel, and stainless steel by XRF was established. The limits of detection for carbon in cast iron, high-chromium cast iron, medium-low alloy steel, and stainless steel were 0.030%, 0.023%, 0.015%, and 0.015% (mass fraction, similarly hereinafter), respectively. The precision and trueness of carbon analysis results were examined. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of carbon determination results in cast iron, high-chromium cast iron, and medium-low alloy steel samples ranged from 0.64% to 1.9%. For stainless steel samples, as the carbon content decreased, the RSD increased and the analytical precision decreased. The trueness verification results indicated that when the carbon content was higher than 0.15%, the XRF results were in good agreement with the certified values of standard reference materials or the results obtained by high-frequency induction furnace combustion followed by infrared absorption spectrometry. In iron and steel smelting, for the samples with a carbon content greater than 0.15%, a simultaneous detection of carbon content during analysis could be attempted to improve the analytical efficiency of XRF in steelmaking processes.
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