Chemical and Analytical

Advanced Materials Testing with Spectrometer Technology at WMT&R

WMT&R utilises the latest spectrometer technology, the ICP, in conjunction with Graphite Furnace AA, to eliminate the need for lengthy, classical wet chemical tests. These state-of-the-art units provide increased analysis speed, element ranges, and sensitivity.

Analytical Chemistry Services

The Analytical Section of WMT&R works closely with our physical and metallographic laboratories as a problem-solving tool in cases of material failures. Additionally, you can rely on our Analytical Section for material-overcheck tests, referee tests, and product verification tests as an independent source.

Material Analysis

Carbon, Sulfur, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen content in steel and titanium is determined by the inert gas fusion thermal conductivity method (ASTM E1019 and ASTM E1447) utilising Leco instrumentation.

Typical materials analysed include:

• Iron
• Aluminium
• Cobalt
• Titanium
• Inconel Alloys
• Low and high alloy Stainless Steels
• Bronze

Accreditations and Capabilities

The WMT&R Analytical Chemistry Department maintains ISO and NADCAP accreditations for an array of test methods capable of interrogating many material types. Our facility is situated to process and prepare iron, steel, aluminium, nickel, cobalt, titanium, copper, magnesium and numerous other matrix and alloy types.

Our sample prep and technique portfolio allow us to process traditional alloys of substantial size to specialty clad, coated, powder or otherwise unique properties/format. All of our methods utilise appropriate matrix matching, Reference Materials and control checks to ensure our process is robust, up to expectation and accurate.

Spectrometric Techniques

For bulk composition needs, we employ:

• Arc/Spark-OES (Arc/Spark-Optical Emission Spectrometry)
• ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry)

Both techniques excite the sample with a high energy source to bring the atoms' electrons to an excited state. Once the electrons return to their natural state, a photon of a signature wavelength is released. The wavelength and magnitude of this emission provides very accurate and sensitive detection capabilities.

The key difference is sample introduction:

• Arc/Spark ablates material directly from a solid sample
• ICP uses a liquid matrix of digested material

Another spectrometric technique at the lab's disposal is XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence). This technology measures bulk chemistry by exciting the sample. However, rather than emitted photons, XRF measures emitted fluorescent x-rays following excitation by a primary x-ray source.

Gas Analyses

Gas analyses (Carbon, Sulfur, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Hydrogen) are performed using:

• IGF (Inert Gas Fusion)
• Combustion techniques

We have proven methods for a wide range of material types and are accredited to ASTM E1447, E1409, E1941 and E1019 for these gases. These gas analysers use different mechanisms, but the net result is a very precise and sensitive detection of gases trapped within the metallic sample(s).

Trace Element Analysis

Beyond bulk chemistry, trace elements are of great impact to regulatory and quality needs. When parts per million (ppm) and low concentration analysis is needed, we offer:

• ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry)
• GFAA (Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption)

These technologies are capable of sensitivities and specificities ideal for the low-level requirements of regulated/prohibited material analysis and material contaminant/quality checks.