Determination of Boron Steel by Isotope-Dilution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry after Matrix Separation

The concentration of B in steels is important due to its influence on mechanical properties of steel such as hardenability, hot workability, and creep resistance. An analytical method has been developed to determine B in steel samples by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). National Institute of Standard and Technology Standard Reference Material (NIST SRM) 348a was analyzed to validate the analytical method. The steel sample was digested in a centrifuge bottle with addition of aqua regia and $^{10}B$ spike isotope. Sample pH was then adjusted to higher than 10 to precipitate most matrix elements such as Fe, Cr, and Ni. After centrifugation, the supernatant solution was passed through a cation exchange column to enhance the matrix separation efficiency. B recovery efficiency was about 37%, while matrix removal efficiency was higher than 99.9% for major matrix elements. The isotope dilution method was used for quantification and the determined B concentration was in good agreement with the certified value.