ASTM C560-15

4.1 These test methods provide a practical way to measure the concentration of certain trace elements in graphite. Many end uses of graphite require that it be free of elements which may be incompatible with certain nuclear applications. Other elemental contamination can affect the rate of oxidative degradation.

4.2 These test methods allow measurement of trace amounts of contaminants with a minimal amount of costly equipment. The colorimetric procedures used are accessible to most laboratories.

4.3 Other instrumental analysis techniques are available, capable of simultaneous quantitative analysis of 76 stable elements in a single run, with detectability limits in the parts per million range. Standards are currently being developed for elemental analysis of impurities in graphite using glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), combustion ion chromatography (CIC).

1.1 These test methods cover the chemical analysis of graphite.

1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:

1.3 The preferred concentration of sought element in the final solution, the limits of sensitivity, and the precision of the results are given in Table 1.

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. See 56.1 for specific caution statement.