Determination of seventeen elements in stainless steel by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Seventeen elements in stainless steel including Al, Si, P, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, W, Cu, Nb, Mo, As, Pb, Sn and Sb were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The setting of instrumental parameters, the ascertainment of element spectral background, the correction of spectral overlapping and absorption – enhancement effect were studied. The quality factor (K) of curve was reduced by combined correction methods of theoretical Alpha coefficient, basic parameter and empirical coefficient, resulting in improving accuracy of determination results. This method was applied to the determination of seventeen elements in reference materials of stainless steel. The found results were consistent with the certified values. The relative standard deviations (RSD, n=11) were 0.077 %-7.6 %.