Measurement of chromium VI and chromium III in stainless steel welding fumes with Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis and Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) was explored as a means of studying the oxidation state of chromium in SMAC (coated electrode) stainless steel welding fume collected on nucleopore filters in the laboratory. Cr VI and III (as a percent of the total Cr) obtained from ESCA analysis was applied to results from neutron activation analysis (NAA) to yield an average of 69 .mu.g Cr VI/sample. Diphenylcarbazide/atomic absorption (DPC/AA) results are reported for samples submitted to an industrial laboratory. Possible chemical species and solubility of Cr VI in stainless steel fumes is discussed in light of analogy between the SMAC process and the manufacturing process for chromates.