X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of the Elemental Composition of Tungsten, Nickel and Copper

The purpose of this work was to conduct an X-ray fluorescence analysis of the elemental composition of tungsten, nickel and copper metal waste using an Olympus Delta portable spectrometer.

Methods. To determine the chemical composition of raw materials, samples of metal waste in the form of copper rods, tungsten rods of various diameters and scraps of nickel plates intended for recycling were examined. To determine the elemental composition of metal waste, the method of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA) was chosen. The X-ray fluorescence method is based on the ratio of the intensity of X-ray fluorescence to the concentration of elements in the sample. Samples irradiated with powerful X-ray tube radiation, in response, emit characteristic fluorescent radiation of atoms proportional to their concentration in the sample. This method allows us to qualitatively assess the elemental composition of complex samples without violating their physico-chemical properties with minimal time costs. The Olympus Delta spectrometer was used as an express analyzer of metals and alloys, with the help of which experimental data on the composition of metal waste of tungsten, nickel and copper were obtained.

Results. Based on the conducted studies aimed at X-ray fluorescence analysis of the elemental composition of tungsten, nickel and copper metal waste using the Olympus Delta portable spectrometer, it was found that the samples of the studied metal waste correspond to the following grades of alloys: tungsten rod made of tungsten grade VA; nickel plate made of nickel grade PNK-0T1; copper rod made of copper grade M3r.

Conclusion. The results obtained will allow further research on their processing by the method of electroerosive dispersion and reuse in the production of heavy tungsten alloys. Renovation of metal waste, including tungsten, nickel and copper metal waste, will contribute to resource conservation, import substitution and ensuring the technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation.

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