5.1 This test method for the chemical analysis of titanium and titanium alloys is primarily intended to test material for compliance with specifications of chemical composition such as those under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B10. It may also be used to test compliance with other specifications that are compatible with the test method.

5.2 It is assumed that all who use this test method will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures skillfully and safely and that the work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory.

5.3 This is a performance-based test method that relies more on the demonstrated quality of the test result than on strict adherence to specific procedural steps. It is expected that laboratories using this test method will prepare their own work instructions. These work instructions will include detailed operating instructions for the specific laboratory, the specific reference materials used, and performance acceptance criteria. It is also expected that, when applicable, each laboratory will participate in proficiency test programs, such as described in Practice E2027, and that the results from the participating laboratory will be satisfactory.

1.1 This method describes the analysis of titanium and titanium alloys, such as specified by committee B10, by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and direct current plasma atomic emission spectrometry (DCP-AES) for the following elements:

Element

Application
Range (wt.%)

Quantitative
Range (wt.%)

Aluminum

0–8

0.009 to 8.0

Boron

0–0.04

0.0008 to 0.01

Cobalt

0-1

0.006 to 0.1

Chromium

0–5

0.005 to 4.0

Copper

0–0.6

0.004 to 0.5

Iron

0–3

0.004 to 3.0

Manganese

0–0.04

0.003 to 0.01

Molybdenum

0–8

0.004 to 6.0

Nickel

0–1

0.001 to 1.0

Niobium

0-6

0.008 to 0.1

Palladium

0-0.3

0.02 to 0.20

Ruthenium

0-0.5

0.004 to 0.10

Silicon

0–0.5

0.02 to 0.4

Tantalum

0-1

0.01 to 0.10

Tin

0–4

0.02 to 3.0

Tungsten

0-5

0.01 to -0.10

Vanadium

0–15

0.01 to 15.0

Yttrium

0–0.04

0.001 to 0.004

Zirconium

0–5

0.003 to 4.0

1.2 This test method has been interlaboratory tested for the elements and ranges specified in the quantitative range part of the table above. It may be possible to extend this test method to other elements or broader mass fraction ranges as shown in the application range part of the table above provided that test method validation is performed that includes evaluation of method sensitivity, precision, and bias. Additionally, the validation study shall evaluate the acceptability of sample preparation methodology using reference materials or spike recoveries or both. Guide E2857 provides information on validation of analytical methods for alloy analysis.

1.3 Because of the lack of certified reference materials (CRMs) containing bismuth, hafnium, and magnesium, these elements were not included in the scope or the interlaboratory study (ILS). It may be possible to extend the scope of this test method to include these elements provided that method validation includes the evaluation of method sensitivity, precision, and bias during the development of the testing method.

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 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. Specific safety hazards statements are given in Section 9.