ASTM B671-81(2021)

Standard Specification for Refined Iridium

ABSTRACT
This specification covers refined iridium as sponge and powder in two grades, Grade 99.80 (UNS PO6100) and Grade 99.90. The metal may be produced by any refining process. They shall conform to the required chemical composition for iridium, rhodium, platinum, palladium, ruthenium, lead, silicon, tin, zinc, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, iron, silver, gold, copper, nickel, and chromium. The sampling procedures shall consist of sponge lot and powder lot.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers refined iridium as sponge and powder in two grades as follows:  
1.1.1 Grade 99.80 (UNS PO6100)—Iridium having a purity of 99.80 %.  
1.1.2 Grade 99.90—Iridium having a purity of 99.90 %.  
Note 1: 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-Oct-2021
• 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 E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• 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 E29-04 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM E29-02e1 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002
• Refers: ASTM E29-93a(1999) - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM B671-81(2021) - Standard Specification for Refined Iridium defines the requirements for iridium metal in refined forms, specifically as sponge and powder. Established by ASTM International, this specification sets standards for chemical composition, grading, and quality control of refined iridium materials. Iridium's unique physical and chemical properties make it essential in specialized industrial and technological applications, where high purity and strict control over trace elements are critical.

Key Topics

• Grades & Composition:
  The standard specifies two iridium grades:

  • Grade 99.80 (UNS PO6100): Minimum iridium content of 99.80%
  • Grade 99.90: Minimum iridium content of 99.90%

• Impurity Limits:
  Both grades require strict limits on trace elements such as rhodium, platinum, palladium, ruthenium, lead, silicon, tin, zinc, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, iron, silver, gold, copper, nickel, and chromium. These requirements help ensure the refined iridium's integrity and suitability for critical use cases.

• Production Methods:
  Refined iridium may be produced by any process that yields a product capable of meeting the chemical requirements. Manufacturers must inform buyers of the refining method upon request.

• Sampling and Testing:
  Sampling procedures are crucial due to the high value of iridium material. The standard covers sampling by lot for both sponge and powder forms, and mandates mutually agreed-upon sampling and analytical methods between purchaser and manufacturer.

• Product Marking:
  Containers holding iridium must be clearly labeled with the material grade, lot number, and precise weight, ensuring traceability and quality assurance in supply chains.

Applications

• Electronics and Electrical Contacts:
  Refined iridium powder and sponge are used in manufacturing electrical contacts and spark plugs, where exceptional corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity are required.

• Chemical Catalysts:
  Iridium's chemical inertness makes it valuable in the production of catalysts for chemical reactions and in electrochemical applications.

• High-Temperature Equipment:
  Components exposed to extreme temperatures, such as crucibles or furnace parts, utilize refined iridium for its outstanding stability and resistance to oxidation.

• Medical Devices:
  In medical technology, iridium is used in electrodes for cardiac devices and other medical instrumentation where precision and biocompatibility are essential.

• Research and Metrology:
  Due to its purity, refined iridium is also critical in metrology standards and advanced scientific research.

Related Standards

• ASTM E29 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications:
  Referenced for methods of rounding analytical results when determining compliance with ASTM B671-81(2021).

• Other Precious Metal Specifications:
  Organizations and manufacturers may also reference standards for platinum, palladium, and rhodium, depending on application requirements.

• ISO and Trade Compliance:
  ASTM B671-81(2021) aligns with international standardization principles in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee guidelines.

Practical Value

The specification ensures quality assurance and uniformity of refined iridium for global markets. Compliance with ASTM B671-81(2021) enables manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users to specify, procure, and receive iridium materials that meet stringent purity, composition, and labeling criteria vital for high-performance technologies. Supply chain consistency and traceability are enhanced, minimizing risks of contamination and ensuring reliable functionality in demanding applications.

Keywords: ASTM B671, refined iridium, iridium powder, iridium sponge, purity, chemical composition, precious metals, standards compliance, industrial applications, iridium specification.

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: B671 −81 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Refined Iridium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B671; 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 3. Materials and Manufacture
1.1 This specification covers refined iridium as sponge and
3.1 The metal may be produced by any refining process that
powder in two grades as follows:
yields a product capable of meeting the chemical requirements
1.1.1 Grade 99.80 (UNS PO6100)—Iridium having a purity
of this specification. The purchaser, upon request, shall be
of 99.80 %.
informed of the refining process used.
1.1.2 Grade 99.90—Iridium having a purity of 99.90 %.
4. Chemical Composition
NOTE 1—For the purposes of determining conformance with this
specification, an observed value obtained from analysis shall be rounded
4.1 The refined iridium shall conform to the chemical
to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing
composition prescribed in Table 1.
the limiting value, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice
E29.
5. Sampling
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
5.1 The value of this material is such that special attention
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
must be paid to sampling procedures. The purchaser and
and are not considered standard.
manufacturer shall agree upon sampling procedures used.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.2 Sampling lots shall consist of the following:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2.1 Sponge—A single refining lot.
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
5.2.2 Powder—A single refining lot.
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
6. Method of Analysis
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
6.1 Pending the development of standardASTM methods of
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
chemical or spectrographic analysis, or both, the methods to be
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
used shall be a matter of agreement between manufacturer and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the purchaser.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
7. Rejection and Rehearing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
7.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of this
specification may be rejected. Rejection should be reported to
2. Referenced Documents
the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of
dissatisfaction with the results of the test, the producer or
2.1 ASTM Standards:
supplier may make claim for rehearing.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
7.1.1 If the iridium satisfies the requirements of this
specification, it shall not be condemne
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