2012 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 25-35
A simple and reliable analysis method has been developed to measure oxygen impurity in magnesium (Mg) and its alloys. Instead of directly analyzing oxygen impurity of an analyte, a multi-step heating-up method has been invented, in which oxide, compound of oxygen impurity with metals, is first separated from an analyte and then oxygen content analysis is carried out. The oxygen analysis of the oxide has been performed by Inert Gas Fusion-Infrared Absorptiometry widely used as a method for oxygen analysis in metals. We verified that analysis with adequate accuracy can be achieved with temperature calibration of each equipment. In parallel with R&D of the analysis method, we performed international standardization activity. It has been shown that consistent data can be obtained both in Japan and Korea through our technical assistance to Korea, and a proposal to the ISO technical committee for Mg and its alloys has been submitted smoothly.
