5.1 This test method for the chemical analysis of nickel and 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 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 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 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 mass spectrometric analysis of nickel and nickel allys, as specified by Committee B02, and having chemical compositions within the following limits:

Element

Application Range (Mass Fraction %)

Aluminum

0. 01–6.00

Boron

0. 01–0.10

Carbon

0. 01–0.15

Chromium

0. 01–33.00

Copper

0.01–35.00

Cobalt

0. 01–20.00

Iron

0.05–50.00

Magnesium

0. 01–0.020

Molybdenum

0. 01–30.0

Niobium

0. 01–6.0

Nickel

25.00–100.0

Phosphorous

0.001–0.025

Silicon

0.01–1.50

Sulfur

0.0001–0.01

Titanium

0.0001–6.0

Tungsten

0.01–5.0

Vanadium

0.0005–1.0

1.2 The following elements may be determined using this method.

Element

Quantification Range (μg/g)

Antimony

0.5–50

Bismuth

0.1–11

Gallium

2.9–54

Lead

0.4–21

Silver

1–35

Tin

2.2–97

Thallium

0.5–3.0

1.3 This method has only been interlaboratory tested for the elements and ranges specified. It may be possible to extend this method to other elements or different composition ranges provided that method validation that includes evaluation of method sensitivity, precision, and bias as described in this document is performed. Additionally, the validation study must evaluate the acceptability of sample preparation methodology using reference materials and/or spike recoveries. The user is cautioned to carefully evaluate the validation data as to the intended purpose of the analytical results. Guide E2857 provides additional guidance on method validation.

1.4 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 hazard statements are given in Section 9.