ASTM E478-08(2017) - 15.1.2017
 
Significance and Use

4.1 These test methods for the chemical analysis of metals and alloys are primarily intended as referee methods to test such materials for compliance with composition 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 ranges within the following limits:2

 Element

Composition, %

 

 

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 Spectrophotometric Test Method [50 %, minimum]

10 – 18

Iron by the 1,10-Phenanthroline Spectrophotometric 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 Sprectophotometric 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 Spectrophotometric 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.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
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