ASTM B616-23

Standard Specification for Refined Rhodium

ABSTRACT
This specification covers refined rhodium as sponge and powder in three grades, namely: Grade 99.80, Grade 99.90, and Grade 99.95. The material may be produced by any refining process that will yield a product capable of meeting the chemical composition requirements specified for rhodium, platinum, iridium, palladium, ruthenium, lead, tin, zinc, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, iron, silicon, silver, gold, copper, nickel, tellurium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, chromium, manganese, antimony, cobalt, and boron determined by chemical analysis. Sampling requirements for the metal sponge and powder are detailed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers refined rhodium as sponge and powder in three grades as follows:  
1.1.1 Grade 99.80—Rhodium having a purity of 99.80 %,  
1.1.2 Grade 99.90—Rhodium having a purity of 99.90 %, and  
1.1.3 Grade 99.95—Rhodium having a purity of 99.95 %.  
1.1.4 For the purposes of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value obtained from analysis shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2023
• ICS: 77.120.99 - Other non-ferrous metals and their alloys
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.05 - Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials and Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM B542-13(2019) - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM B899-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM B899-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM B899-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM B542-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM B899-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM B899-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM B899-09e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM B542-07 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Refers: ASTM B899-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06b - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06a - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM B899-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005

Overview

ASTM B616-23: Standard Specification for Refined Rhodium provides a clear set of requirements for refined rhodium in sponge and powder form. Developed by ASTM International, this standard defines three grades of rhodium purity - Grade 99.80, Grade 99.90, and Grade 99.95 - and outlines chemical composition limits for numerous potential impurities. The specification applies to rhodium produced via any refining method capable of meeting the detailed requirements, ensuring high-quality material for end users.

Rhodium is a critical precious metal used in high-performance industrial applications, notably in the electronics, chemical, and automotive sectors. This standard is essential for purchasing, quality assurance, and compliance throughout the supply chain for refined rhodium products.

Key Topics

Grades & Purity

• Grade 99.80: Minimum 99.80% rhodium purity
• Grade 99.90: Minimum 99.90% rhodium purity
• Grade 99.95: Minimum 99.95% rhodium purity

Chemical Composition

• Strict limits for elements such as platinum, iridium, palladium, ruthenium, lead, tin, and other potential metallic and non-metallic impurities
• Chemical analysis methods may be mutually agreed upon by the purchaser and manufacturer
• In case of dispute, a referee laboratory analysis may be used

Product Forms

• Covers refined rhodium supplied as sponge or powder
• Both forms must meet the specified chemical and physical requirements

Sampling & Quality Control

• Detailed sampling protocols to ensure representative and accurate assessment of lot quality
• Product marking requires clear labeling of rhodium grade, lot number, and precise weight

Safety & Compliance

• Users must observe safety and regulatory practices, supported by reference to Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Conforms to internationally recognized principles for standards development

Applications

Refined rhodium covered by ASTM B616-23 is used in a wide array of industrial and technological fields due to its unique properties, such as corrosion resistance, high melting point, and excellent electrical conductivity. Key application areas include:

• Catalysts: Automotive catalytic converters and chemical processes
• Electronics: Electrical contacts, connectors, and components requiring high wear resistance
• Jewelry: As a plating material for enhancing appearance and durability
• Laboratory Equipment: Crucibles and thermocouples requiring stability at high temperatures

Compliance with ASTM B616-23 supports reliable sourcing, consistent product quality, and compatibility in global market transactions.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards and references provide additional guidance relevant to refined rhodium and nonferrous metal products:

• ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• ASTM B542: Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• ASTM B899: Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys

Organizations may also reference safety and environmental regulatory documents, as well as other international standards addressing precious metals.

Practical Value

By specifying minimum purity levels, allowable impurities, and sampling procedures, ASTM B616-23 enables producers, purchasers, and regulatory bodies to verify rhodium quality effectively. Adhering to this standard ensures that refined rhodium meets stringent criteria for demanding applications, streamlining supply chain operations and enhancing product reliability in critical sectors.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: B616 − 23
Standard Specification for
Refined Rhodium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B616; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
1.1 This specification covers refined rhodium as sponge and
B542 Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their
powder in three grades as follows:
Use
1.1.1 Grade 99.80—Rhodium having a purity of 99.80 %,
B899 Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Al-
1.1.2 Grade 99.90—Rhodium having a purity of 99.90 %,
loys
and
1.1.3 Grade 99.95—Rhodium having a purity of 99.95 %.
3. Terminology
1.1.4 For the purposes of determining conformance with
3.1 For definitions of the terms pertaining to this standard,
this specification, an observed value obtained from analysis
reference shall be made to Terminology B542 and B899.
shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place
of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance
4. Manufacture
with the rounding method of Practice E29.
4.1 The material may be produced by any refining process
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
that yields a product capable of meeting the chemical require-
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
ments of this specification. The purchaser, upon request, shall
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
be informed of the refining process used.
and are not considered standard.
5. Chemical Requirements
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 The material should conform to the requirements for
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
chemical composition as prescribed in Table 1.
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
5.2 Analysis shall be made using the manufacturer’s stan-
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
dard methods. In the event of disagreement as to the chemical
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
composition of the metal, methods of chemical analysis for
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
reference purposes shall be determined by a mutually accept-
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
able laboratory.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6. Sampling
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.1 The value of this material is such that special attention
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
must be paid to sampling procedures. The purchaser and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
manufacturer shall agree upon sampling procedures used.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.2 Lot Size—Sampling lots shall consist of the following:
2. Referenced Documents 6.2.1 Sponge—A single refining lot and
6.2.2 Powder—A single refining lot.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
7. Rejection and Rehearing
7.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of this
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
specification may be rejected. Rejection should be reported to
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B02.05 on Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials and Test Methods.
the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
dissatisfact
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B616 − 96 (Reapproved 2018) B616 − 23
Standard Specification for
Refined Rhodium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B616; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers refined rhodium as sponge and powder in three grades as follows:
1.1.1 Grade 99.80—Rhodium having a purity of 99.80 %,
1.1.2 Grade 99.90—Rhodium having a purity of 99.90 %, and
1.1.3 Grade 99.95—Rhodium having a purity of 99.95 %.
1.1.4 For the purposes of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value obtained from analysis shall be
rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance with the
rounding method of Practice E29.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet
(SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental
practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
B542 Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
B899 Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of the terms pertaining to this standard, reference shall be made to Terminology B542 and B899.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B02.05 on
Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials and Test Methods.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018April 1, 2023. Published November 2018May 2023. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 20122018 as
B616 – 96 (2012).(2018). DOI: 10.1520/B0616-96R18.10.1520/B0616-96R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B616 − 23
4. Manufacture
4.1 The material may be produced by any refining process that yields a product capable of meeting the chemical requirements of
this specification. The purchaser, upon request, shall be informed of the refining process used.
5. Chemical Requirements
5.1 The material should conform to the requirements for chemical composition as prescribed in Table 1.
5.2 Analysis shall be made using the manufacturer’s standard methods. In the event of disagreement as to the chemical
composition of the metal, methods of chemical analysis for reference purposes sh
...