This specification covers two grades (Grade R60702 and Grade R60703) of zirconium metal commonly designated as sponge or chunklets, but may also take other forms. This specification does not include crystal bar zirconium. This sponge is used in non-nuclear applications. Zirconium metal is usually prepared by reduction of zirconium tetrachloride, and it gets its physical characteristics from the processes involved in production. These characteristics may be expected to vary greatly with manufacturing methods. This specification, however, is not limited to metal prepared by reduction of tetrachloride or to material of any specific physical form. Only virgin zirconium metal, in identified, uniform, well-mixed blends, shall be supplied under this specification. The material shall conform to the chemical composition requirements for zirconium, hafnium, iron, chromium, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The material shall be subjected to a number of chemical tests as required in this specification.

1.1 This specification covers two grades of zirconium metal commonly designated as sponge or chunklets, but may also take other forms. This specification does not include crystal bar zirconium. This sponge is used in non-nuclear applications.

1.2 Unless a single unit is used, for example corrosion mass gain in mg/dm², the values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other. SI values cannot be mixed with inch-pound values.

1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.