ASTM E478-08 - 15.12.2008
 
Significance and Use

These test methods for the chemical analysis of metals and alloys are primarily intended as referee methods to test such materials for compliance with compositional specifications. It is assumed that all who use these methods will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory.

 
1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the chemical analysis of copper alloys having chemical compositions within the following limits:

Element

Concentration, %

Aluminum

12.0 max

Antimony

1.0 max

Arsenic

1.0 max

Cadmium

1.5 max

Cobalt

1.0 max

Copper

40.0 min

Iron

6.0 max

Lead

27.0 max

Manganese

6.0 max

Nickel

50.0 max

Phosphorus

1.0 max

Silicon

5.0 max

Sulfur

0.1 max

Tin

20.0 max

Zinc

50.0 max

1.2 The test methods appear in the following order:

Sections

Aluminum by the Carbamate Extraction-Ethyl-
enedinitrilotetraacetate Titrimetric Test Method [2 % to 12 %]

71-78

Copper by the Combined Electrodeposition Gravimetric and Oxalyldihydrazide Photometric Test Method [50 %, minimum]

10-18

Iron by the 1,10-Phenanthroline Photometric Test Method [0.003 % to 1.25 %]

19-28

Lead by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry [0.002 % to 15 %]

90-100

Lead by the Ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Titrimetric Test Method [2.0 % to 30.0 %]

29-36

Nickel by the Dimethylglyoxime Extraction Photometric Test Method [0.03 % to 5.0 %]

37-46

Nickel by the Dimethylglyoxime Gravimetric Test Method [4 % to 50 %]

55-62

Silver in Silver-Bearing Copper by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry [0.01 % to 0.12 %]

101-112

Tin by the Iodotimetric Titration Test Method [0.5 % to 20 %]

63-70

Tin by the Phenylfluorone Photometric Test Method [0.01 % to 1.0 %]

113-123

Zinc by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry [0.2 % to 2 %]

79-89

Zinc by the Ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Titrimetric Test Method [2 % to 40 %]

47-54

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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.

10.1 This test method covers the determination of copper in concentrations greater than 50 %.

19.1 This test method covers the determination of iron in concentrations from 0.003 % to 1.25 %.

29.1 This test method covers the determination of lead in concentrations from 2.0 % to 30.0 %.

37.1 This test method covers the determination of nickel in concentrations from 0.03 % to 5.0 %.

47.1 This test method covers the determination of zinc in the range from 2 % to 40 %.

55.1 This test method covers the determination of nickel in concentrations from 4 % to 50 %.

63.1 This test method covers the determination of tin in concentrations from 0.5 % to 20 %.

71.1 This test method covers the determination of aluminum in concentrations from 2 % to 12 %.

79.1 This test method covers the determination of zinc in concentrations from 0.02 % to 2 %.

90.1 This test method covers the determination of lead in concentrations from 0.002 % to 15 %.

101.1 This test method covers the determination of silver in concentrations from 0.01 % to 0.12 %.

113.1 This test method covers the determination of tin in concentrations from 0.01 % to 1.0 %.

 
2. Referenced Documents

E60-11(2022)e1

Standard Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials by Spectrophotometry (Includes all amendments and changes 6/29/2022).

E135-23a

Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 7/17/2023).

E50-17

Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials

E29-22

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E255-23

Standard Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for the Determination of Chemical Composition

E173-93

Practice for Conducting Interlaboratory Studies of Methods for Chemical Analysis of Metals (Withdrawn 1997)

E1601-19

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method