Mar 27, 2017

 A new ASTM International standard provides a method for analyzing the composition of aluminum and aluminum alloys. The test helps manufacturers, consumers, and laboratories verify that an alloy’s composition is within the needed limits through an analysis method called “inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry” (ICP-AES).

“The composition of an aluminum alloy is one factor that determines the final properties of the metal, such as strength, hardness, and durability,” says ASTM member Jeneé Jacobs, a senior scientist at Arconic. “ICP-AES is currently being used in many laboratories as a replacement for wet chemistry techniques and other outdated analytical methods.” 

The new standard (soon to be published as E3061, Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (Performance Based Method)) was developed by ASTM’s committee on analytical chemistry for metals, ores and related materials (E01).  

The method provided in this standard is performance based, but also provides established preparation and analysis techniques. The standard also establishes expected repeatability and reproducibility of this method.

ASTM Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials Next Meeting: May 7-9, 2017, May Committee Week, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Technical Contact: Jeneé Jacobs, Arconic, New Kensington, Pa., tel +1.724.337.2490  
ASTM Staff Contact: Thomas O’Toole, tel +1.610.832.9739