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Secondary ion mass spectrometric characterization of Cd-free and Cd-containing brazing alloys for jewelry are
presented, analyzing the surface composition and elemental distribution along the thickness both for master
alloys and brazed joints. It was verified that the brazing process induced little modification in In-containing
alloys. On the other hand, Cd evaporation from the alloy was verified after heating, confirming its danger to
health under these conditions. The presence of intermetallic clusters was detected, indicating interactions
between brazing alloys and 18 carat gold. 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Received 13 May 1997; Accepted 1 June 1997
Rapid. Commun. Mass Spectrom. 11, 13091314 (1997)
No. of Figures: 6 No. of Tables: 1 No. of Refs: 8
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ROLE OF SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRICS ANALYSIS IN THE BRAZING OF PRECIOUS ALLOYS
SIMS investigations were carried out in a custombuilt instrument that has been described elsewhere.7 A
monochromatic (110 keV) O2 + ion beam (collimated
to 50 m) was generated in a mass-filtered duoplasmatron ion gun (model DP50B, VG Fisons, Manchester,
UK). The secondary ion optics were of the three-lens
design with a central stop interfaced with a Balzers
(Liechtenstein) model QMA 400 quadrupole mass
analyzer (mass range extended up to m/z 2048). A
secondary electron multiplier (90 off-axis) was used
for negative- and positive-ion detection in counting
mode. Lens potentials, quadrupole electronic control
units and the detection system were controlled via a
Figure 1. (a) Positive- and (b) negative-ion mass spectra of sample 1: master alloy.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, Vol. 11, 13091314 (1997)
ROLE OF SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRICS ANALYSIS IN THE BRAZING OF PRECIOUS ALLOYS
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ROLE OF SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRICS ANALYSIS IN THE BRAZING OF PRECIOUS ALLOYS
Figure 4. (a) Positive- and (b) negative-ion mass spectra of sample 2: master alloy.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, Vol. 11, 13091314 (1997)
ROLE OF SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRICS ANALYSIS IN THE BRAZING OF PRECIOUS ALLOYS
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ROLE OF SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRICS ANALYSIS IN THE BRAZING OF PRECIOUS ALLOYS
CONCLUSION
The brazing process represents a decisive and critical
step in jewelry manufacture but the alloys utilized are
often home-made to an empirical composition by the
gold craftsmen, affecting the final products. These
problems could be remedied by characterizing brazing
alloys with sensitive techniques in order to analyze the
components and their distribution both on the surface
and in the bulk of the master alloy and of the brazed
joint.
Preliminary data reported here were planned to
verify some previous results from energy dispersive
X-ray analyses8 concerning the behavior of low melting
point metals in these new alloys. The SIMS technique
was considered appropriate. Complete Cd evaporation
during heating was confirmed (sample 3) and the
presence of In in brazed joints (samples 1 and 2) on the
surface and throughout the thickness was verified. In
addition, organic and inorganic contaminants from the
treatment procedure were also detected, following their
penetration into the joints during the brazing process.
Although some cluster ions were not identified, the
results are considered to be satisfactory at this preparatory research stage. Therefore, as a perspective for the
future, it is expected that the SIMS technique will be
employed for studying high mass clusters and testing
the relation between element interactions and mechanical and visual properties of objects brazed with Cd-free
alloys.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research was supported by P. R. O. Art Programma a sostegno
della produzione e del commercio dellArtigianato Orafo of CNR
and MICA, Rome, Italy. Professor M. Magrini is acknowledged for
furnishing samples and for useful discussion. CP received a fellowship
from Centro Ricerche FIAT, Strada Torino 50, 10043, Orbassino
(TO), Italy.
REFERENCES
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