ASTM C809 : 94(2007)

Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Aluminum Oxide and Aluminum
Oxide-Boron Carbide Composite Pellets

Standard Details

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the chemical, mass spectrometric, and spectrochemical analysis of nuclear-grade aluminum oxide and aluminum oxide-boron carbide composite pellets to determine compliance with specifications.

1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:

	Sections

Boron by Titrimetry	7 to 13
Separation of Boron for Mass Spectrometry	14 to 19
Isotopic Composition by Mass Spectrometry	20 to 23
Separation of Halides by Pyrohydrolysis	24 to 27
Fluoride by Ion-Selective Electrode	28 to 30
Chloride, Bromide, and Iodide by Amperometric Microtitrimetry	31 to 33
Trace Elements by Emission Spectroscopy	34 to 46

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 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. (For specific precautionary statements, see Section 5.)

7.1 This test method covers the determination of boron in aluminum oxide-boron carbide composites. As an alternative, the procedure for total boron by titrimetry detailed in Test Methods C791 may be used.

14.1 This test method covers the separation of boron from aluminum and other impurities. The isotopic composition of the separated boron is measured using another test method found herein.

20.1 This test method covers the determination of the isotopic composition of boron in nuclear-grade aluminum oxide/boron carbide composite pellets containing natural to highly enriched boron.

24.1 This test method covers the separation of up to 100 μg of halides per gram of sample. The separated halides are measured using other test methods found herein.

28.1 This test method can determine as low as 2-μg of F/g sample in condensate containing all the halogens.

31.1 This test method covers the determination of halogens, except fluorine, as separated by pyrohydrolysis. The detection limit is 1.5 μg Cl/g sample.

34.1 This spectrochemical test method provides for the determination of 14 impurity elements. The elements and concentration ranges are as follows:

Elements	Concentration Range, ppm

Boron	10 to 10 000
Calcium	10 to 10 000
Chromium	10 to 10 000
Dysprosium	30 to 10 000
Europium	10 to 10 000
Gadolinium	30 to 10 000
Hafnium	30 to 10 000
Iron	10 to 10 000
Magnesium	10 to 10 000
Nickel	10 to 10 000
Samarium	10 to 10 000
Silicon	10 to 10 000
Sodium	10 to 10 000
Titanium	10 to 10 000