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Sample Preparation - Digestion for copper-iron (Cu-Fe) alloys

 
I was wondering if you would be able to assist me with a matrix problem I am having? We are a producer of copper alloys. I am working on a copper-iron (2%) alloy. Would a HNO3 matrix digest all of the iron? Would I see better results with a HNO3/HCl matrix or HNO3/HF matrix? The standard we purchased from you is in HNO3, but your interactive periodic chart for Fe says that it is soluble in HCl. I have tried a straight HCl matrix, but it seems like the copper does not digest completely. Any help you would be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.
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admin Total posts: 529

An alloy composed solely of Cu and Fe should dissolve in HNO3 with no need for additional acids, though heating the solution may be necessary to facilitate dissolution. The reaction may also proceed better if some water is present, and 1:1 mixtures of HNO3 and water may perform better than concentrated HNO3. Iron itself will dissolve in either HCl or HNO3, but HNO3 reactions benefit from additional heat. We would recommend trying a 1:1 mixture of HNO3 and water with gentle heating. Please note that heating the solution can cause the reaction to proceed quite vigorously, and caution should be exercised.

Posted: 09/06/18 22:21:32

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