Investigation into the spontaneous dissolution of tungsten using acid media

An acid-decomposition method, using hydrofluoric and nitric acids, was found to require no external heat source to dissolve tungsten wire. This spontaneous decomposition method was compared with an established method based on hydrogen peroxide as the dissolution medium. The determination of trace elements (potassium, nickel and iron) in tungsten wire by the two methods was compared; no significant differences between the methods were noted. The effects of varying the acid-decomposition mixture and sample mass are noted.