I would suggest that probably the best destructive method of analysis is using an induction
furnace. The LECO furnaces can do good quality C and S determinations on metal samples.
Quite a few university Earth Science laboratories have these furnaces for determination of C
and S in rocks.
See:
http://www.leco.com/resources/application_note_subs/pdf/inorganic/Analytical%20Tips/C-
S209-141-001.pdf
Obviously, this method is only good where samples can be destroyed. Some of the other
potential techniques used are somewhat sensitive to other elements in the iron apart from C
(such as P and As) - so this is a good direct approach.
Tim
On 27 May 2010 at 10:27, Amalia Siatou wrote:
> dear all,
>
> I'm a metals conservator from Greece doing a master in materials science. Part of my thesis is the study of archaeological iron and bronze. I came across some difficutlies in measuring the carbon content of archaeological iron (roman nails). Using SEM-EDS the percentage measured was particularly high (almost 10%) which doesn't follow the dating of the objects. Furthermore, I was anable to find adequate equipment to perform chemical analysis.
> Do you know of a different method of estimating the carbon percentage in iron?
>
> thank you in advance
>
> sincerely
> Amalia Siatou
--
Dr Tim Young
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