Comparison of Elemental Analysis Techniques for the Characterization of Commercial Alloys

Better quality control for alloy manufacturing and sorting of post-consumer scraps relies heavily on the accurate determination their chemical composition. In recent decades, analytical techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), laser-induced breakdown (LIBS), spark optical emission (spark-OES), found widespread use in metal industry, though only a few studies were published about comparison these techniques commercially available alloys. Hence, we conducted study evaluation four (energy-dispersive XRF, wavelength-dispersive LIBS, spark-OES) sample It focuses quantitative analysis nine commercial alloys, representing three most important classes: copper, aluminum, steel. First, spark-OES is proven to serve validation technique certified reference samples. Following an examination lateral homogeneity by results are compared, reasons deviations discussed. Finally, more general each with its capabilities limitations given, taking operation-relevant parameters, measurement speed calibration effort, into account. This shall guide routine methods producing recycling industries.