Overview
EN ISO 4943:2022 - titled Steel and cast iron - Determination of copper content - Flame atomic absorption spectrometric method - specifies a validated laboratory procedure for measuring copper in steel and cast iron. The method uses flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after acid dissolution of a representative test portion. It applies to copper mass fractions from 0.003 % to 3.0 %. EN ISO 4943:2022 is the CEN-endorsed edition of ISO 4943:2022 and supersedes EN 24943:1990.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measurement principle: Dissolve the sample in a mixture of hydrochloric, nitric and perchloric acids; nebulize the test solution into an air/acetylene flame; measure atomic absorption of copper at 324.7 nm or 327.4 nm (copper hollow-cathode lamp or equivalent source).
- Analytical range: Applicable for Cu content 0.003 % to 3.0 % (mass fraction).
- Reagents and standards:
- HCl–HNO3 and HCl–HNO3–HClO4 acid mixtures for dissolution.
- Primary copper standard 1.0 g/L and working standard 20 mg/L (prepared as specified).
- Use of analytical-grade reagents and Type 2 water (ISO 3696).
- Apparatus and glassware:
- Atomic absorption spectrometer equipped for FAAS, copper hollow-cathode lamp, and pure air/acetylene supply.
- Class A volumetric glassware per ISO 648 / ISO 1042; cleaning procedures to avoid copper contamination.
- Quality & performance criteria:
- Instrumental checks: limit of detection, characteristic concentration, calibration linearity and precision (see Annex A).
- Laboratory practice: blank tests, calibration curve preparation, optimization and spectrometric measurement steps.
- Documentation: Requirements for test report content and precision information; normative references for sampling and sample prep (ISO 14284).
Practical applications
- Routine quality control of steel and cast iron production to verify copper content.
- Material certification and specification compliance for ferrous products.
- Failure analysis and metallurgical investigations where copper level impacts properties (corrosion, alloy behavior).
- Regulatory or contractual testing in foundries, steelworks, third‑party testing labs, and certification bodies.
Who should use this standard
- Metallurgical and analytical chemists, laboratory managers, and quality engineers in steelmakers and foundries.
- Accredited testing laboratories performing elemental analysis of ferrous metals.
- Standards and compliance officers ensuring material traceability and specification adherence.
Related standards
- ISO 14284 (sampling and preparation of samples for chemical composition)
- ISO 3696 (water for analytical laboratory use)
- ISO 648 / ISO 1042 (laboratory glassware specifications)
- EN 24943 (superseded)
Keywords: EN ISO 4943:2022, copper determination, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, steel and cast iron, FAAS method, copper in steel.