Objective
For the determination and control of composition, coating weigth and thickness of zinc based coatings on steel, the need of a simple analytical method has been highlighted by ECISS TC20 In answer to this need, the general aim of this project is to develop a new standard method, which can become a European Standard, that permit a rapid multielement depth profile and thickness analysis of Zn-based metallic coatings on steel, based on direct current glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES). Furthermore, the aim is to develop guidelines for the use of the new method according to quality assurance criteria.
Technically, the method should be capable of fulfilling the following requirements: Maximum penetration depth 100 !lm, Multi-element capability of >10 elements in one measurement, Quantification of major and minor elements (0.1%) with an accuracy better than 10%, Analysis time of typically a few minutes.
Recent research by the proposers and others, have led to the establishment of a basic technique for quantitative depth profile analysis by GD-OES using the DC (direct current) source, which has been successfully tested in laboratory scale for several applications, including Zn-based coatings.
In the proposed project, this technique will by taken one step further in order to establish a standard method for specific applications, namely Zn-based coatings on steel. In order to accomplish this, it is first necessary to carry out more detailed research and method investigations, particularly with respect to calibration procedures and the influence of various instrument-specific parameters. One reason for this is the fact that a number of different instruments exist on the market, and they are not technically identical. The research work will be carried out by the three contractors, they will also produce a draft of the standard method.
In a second phase of the project, the method will be evaluated by means of an intercomparison round-robin test involving several more laboratories, including industries. For verification of the results, laboratories equipped for analysis with other techniques will also take part in the intercomparison. The draft of the standard method, together with the results of the interlaboratory intercomparison, will be submitted to ECISS TC20 as a basis for the establishment of a European Standard.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
114 28 Stockholm
Sweden