Determination of Lead in Leaded Steels by X-Ray Spectroscopy

Abstract
The determination of lead in leaded steel by x-ray spectroscopy is highly dependent on proper surface preparation because of the tendency toward smearing or removal of the lead. A metallographic preparation technique using diamond dust as the abrasive is shown to provide reproducible and accurate results even with appreciable changes in the particle size of the lead. This work is part of a cooperative program with the United States Steel Corporation in the preparation of a leaded-steel spectrochemical standard. Although certain inhomogeneities, both linear and radial, were observed by x-ray spectroscopy in the rods tested, suitable material has been selected for use as the National Bureau of Standards spectroscopic standard