Development of analytical procedures for trace elements determination in nickel alloy samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

• Grant number: 12/13230-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Márcia Andreia Mesquita Silva da Veiga
• Grantee: Natália Tostes Canevari
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The production and global trade of metals and alloys are critical components of the modern industrial infrastructure and the occurrence of increasing advances in manufacturing processes of the metallurgical industry was responsible for the development of nickel based alloys. These materials have diverse industrial applications due to specific properties such as high electrical and corrosion resistance, and the content of chemical elements in their composition directly influences the characteristics of these materials. Thus, the employment of accurate and precise analytical methodologies for the determination of elements is a task of great importance to ensure quality control as well as the confidence of buyers and sellers. Considering this context, this doctorate project mainly aims to develop analytical procedures for the determination of trace elements As, Bi, Pb and Se, known for causing detrimental effects on physical and chemical properties when they exceed the maximum specification limits, in nickel alloys samples. The materials structural characterization and quantitative analysis will be performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For the determination stage, the separation of analytes from the matrix will be necessary, and for this purpose cloud point extraction method will be employed. The various experimental variables involved will be optimized and for the quantification High-Resolution Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrometry technique (HR-CS AAS) will be used. The liquid-liquid extraction will be used as a comparison method, as well as nickel alloys samples direct analysis.