5.1 This test method for the chemical analysis of nickel alloys is primarily intended to test material for compliance with specifications such as those under jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02. 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 employed, 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 test method describes the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric analysis of nickel alloys, such as specified by Committee B02, and having chemical compositions within the following limits:

Element

Application
Range (%)

Aluminum

0.01–1.00

Boron

0.001–0.050

Calcium

0.001–0.05

Carbon

0.10–0.20

Chromium

0.01–33.0

Cobalt

0.10–20.0

Copper

0.01–3.00

Iron

0.01–50.0

Lead

0.001–0.01

Magnesium

0.0001–0.100

Manganese

0.01–3.0

Molybdenum

0.01–30.0

Niobium

0.01–6.0

Nickel

25.0–80.0

Nitrogen

0.001–0.20

Oxygen

0.0001–0.003

Phosphorous

0.001–0.030

Sulfur

0.0001–0.010

Silicon

0.01–1.50

Tantalum

0.005–0.10

Tin

0.001–0.020

Titanium

0.001–6.0

Tungsten

0.01–5.0

Vanadium

0.01–1.0

Zirconium

0.01–0.10

1.2 The following elements may be determined using this test method. The test method user should carefully evaluate the precision and bias statements of this test method to determine applicability of the test method for the intended use.

Element

Quantification
Range (%)

Aluminum

0.060–1.40

Boron

0.002–0.020

Calcium

0.001–0.003

Copper

0.010–0.52

Magnesium

0.001–0.10

Manganese

0.002–0.65

Niobium

0.020–5.5

Phosphorous

0.004–0.030

Tantalum

0.010–0.050

Tin

0.002–0.018

Titanium

0.020–3.1

Tungsten

0.007–0.11

Vanadium

0.010–0.50

Zirconium

0.002–0.10

1.3 This test method has only been interlaboratory tested for the elements and ranges specified. It may be possible to extend this test method to other elements or different concentration ranges provided that method validation is performed that includes evaluation of method sensitivity, precision, and bias as described in this document. Additionally, the validation study must evaluate the acceptability of sample preparation methodology using reference materials or spike recoveries, or both. The user is cautioned to carefully evaluate the validation data against the laboratory’s data quality objectives. Method validation of scope extensions is also a requirement of ISO/IEC 17025.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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 warning statements are given in 8.2.6.3 and safety hazard statements are given in Section 9.