ASTM B577-19

Standard Test Methods for Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility) in Copper

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These test methods determine whether copper products will be resistant to embrittlement when exposed to elevated temperatures in a reducing atmosphere.  
5.1.1 It is assumed that all who use these test methods will be trained personnel capable of performing these procedures skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped facility.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods describe procedures for determining the presence of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) in products made from deoxidized and oxygen-free copper.  
1.2 The test methods appear in the following order:    
Sections  
Microscopical Examination without Thermal Treatment  
9 – 11  
Microscopical Examination after Thermal Treatment  
13 – 15  
Closed Bend Test after Thermal Treatment  
17 – 19  
Reverse Bend Test after Thermal Treatment  
21 – 23  
1.3 Units—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.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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-2019
• ICS: 77.120.30 - Copper and copper alloys
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.06 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B577-16 - Standard Test Methods for Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility) in Copper
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E883-11(2024) - Standard Guide for Reflected–Light Photomicrography
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM E883-11(2017) - Standard Guide for Reflected–Light Photomicrography
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM E883-11 - Standard Guide for Reflected–Light Photomicrography
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E3-01(2007)e1 - Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM E3-01(2007) - Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM E883-02(2007) - Standard Guide for Reflected–Light Photomicrography
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Refers: ASTM E883-02 - Standard Guide for Reflected-Light Photomicrography
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Refers: ASTM E3-95 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM E3-01 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM E883-99 - Standard Guide for Reflected-Light Photomicrography
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999
• Referred By: ASTM B919-19 - Standard Specification for Welded Copper Heat Exchanger Tubes With Internal Enhancement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM B837-19 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Natural Gas and Liquified Petroleum (LP) Gas Fuel Distribution Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM B447-12a(2021) - Standard Specification for Welded Copper Tube
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM B372-22 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular Waveguide Tube
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019

Overview

ASTM B577-19: Standard Test Methods for Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility) in Copper establishes standardized procedures for detecting the presence of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) in deoxidized and oxygen-free copper products. The primary objective is to assess a copper product’s resistance to hydrogen embrittlement when exposed to elevated temperatures in a reducing atmosphere. These test methods are crucial for ensuring the integrity and performance of copper components used in critical applications.

ASTM B577-19 is internationally recognized and was developed in accordance with global standardization principles established by the World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. This standard is used by manufacturers, quality control professionals, and laboratories involved in copper processing and end-use industries such as electronics, electrical, and industrial fabrication.

Key Topics

• Test Methods: ASTM B577-19 describes four primary testing procedures:

  • Microscopical Examination without Thermal Treatment: Utilizes polarized light or dark field illumination to visually detect cuprous oxide.
  • Microscopical Examination after Thermal Treatment: Involves heating specimens in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, quenching, and subsequent examination.
  • Closed Bend Test after Thermal Treatment: Assesses embrittlement by bending thermally treated samples into a U-shape and observing for cracks.
  • Reverse Bend Test after Thermal Treatment: Subjects specimens to repeated bending cycles post heat treatment to detect susceptibility to embrittlement.

• Materials Covered: The test methods are applicable to a range of copper alloys, including Copper UNS Nos. C10100, C10200, C10300, C10400, C10500, C10700, C11700, C12000, C12200, C12400, and C14200.

• Equipment and Specimen Preparation:

  • Metallographic examination requires equipment per ASTM E3 and E883.
  • Proper specimen dimensions and preparation guidelines ensure consistent and reliable testing.
  • Heat treatment is performed at prescribed conditions in a hydrogen atmosphere, followed by rapid cooling.

• Safety and Training: Users of ASTM B577-19 are expected to be trained personnel and must adhere to established safety, health, and environmental practices.

Applications

ASTM B577-19 test methods are essential in industries utilizing copper components that may be exposed to hydrogen-rich environments or high temperatures, including:

• Electrical and Electronic Manufacturing: Ensuring the longevity and reliability of conductive copper parts, such as wiring and connectors, which may otherwise suffer failures due to embrittlement.
• Industrial Fabrication: Verifying copper and copper alloy tubing, plates, and rods for use in high-performance settings like heat exchangers, power generation equipment, and chemical processing systems.
• Quality Assurance Laboratories: Routine acceptance and conformance testing for copper raw materials and finished products.

By identifying the presence of cuprous oxide and assessing hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility, ASTM B577-19 helps prevent premature failures and supports compliance with engineering and safety standards.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality control and product validation, ASTM B577-19 is often used in conjunction with the following related standards:

• ASTM E3 - Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• ASTM E883 - Guide for Reflected–Light Photomicrography
• Product-specific copper alloy standards for mechanical, chemical, and physical properties.

These related standards ensure a holistic approach to copper quality management, from specimen preparation to advanced material characterization.

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Keywords: ASTM B577-19, cuprous oxide detection, hydrogen embrittlement in copper, test methods for copper alloys, metallographic examination, closed bend test, reverse bend test, copper UNS alloys, copper quality standards, industrial copper testing.

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: B577 − 19
Standard Test Methods for
Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hydrogen Embrittlement
Susceptibility) in Copper
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B577; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 3. Terminology
1.1 These test methods describe procedures for determining 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the presence of cuprous oxide (Cu O) in products made from 3.1.1 deoxidized copper, n—material produced substantially
deoxidized and oxygen-free copper. free of cuprous oxide, by the use of metallic or metalloidal
deoxidizers, as determined by metallographic examination at
1.2 The test methods appear in the following order:
75× under polarized light, or dark field illumination. Oxygen
Sections
may be present as residual deoxidation products.
Microscopical Examination without Thermal Treatment 9–11
3.1.2 oxygen-free copper, n—electrolytic copper produced
Microscopical Examination after Thermal Treatment 13–15
substantially free of cuprous oxide without the use of metallic
Closed Bend Test after Thermal Treatment 17–19
Reverse Bend Test after Thermal Treatment 21–23 or metalloidal deoxidizers as determined by metallographic
examination at 75× under polarized light, or dark field illumi-
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
nation. Oxygen may be present up to a maximum of 5 ppm in
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
Copper UNS No. C10100 and 10 ppm in Copper UNS No.
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
C10200.
information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Methods
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 The presence of cuprous oxide is determined either by
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
microscopical examination under polarized light, or dark field
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
illumination or by methods that involve heating the test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
specimens in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and rapidly cooling
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
the specimens without undue exposure to air followed by a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
microscopical examination or a suitable bend test.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 5. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 These test methods determine whether copper products
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
will be resistant to embrittlement when exposed to elevated
temperatures in a reducing atmosphere.
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.1 It is assumed that all who use these test methods will
2.1 ASTM Standards: be trained personnel capable of performing these procedures
E3Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens skillfullyandsafely.Itisexpectedthatworkwillbeperformed
E883Guide for Reflected–Light Photomicrography in a properly equipped facility.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Method A—Metallographic equipment of the type
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on
described in Guide E3 and Guide E883 suitably equipped with
Copper and CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.06
on Methods of Test.
polarized light or dark field illuminating capacities.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
6.2 Test Methods B, C, and D:
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as B577–16. DOI:
10.1520/B0577–19.
6.2.1 Metallographic equipment of the type described in
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Guide E3 and Guide E883 provided with normal illumination.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.2.2 A furnace of sufficient capacity, capable of maintain-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. ing the required reducing atmosphere while the specimens are
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B577 − 19
being heated. A rapid cooling device using either water or a 10. Procedure
reducing atmosphere is required.
10.1 Thetestspecimenstakentransversetoandboundedby
6.2.3 A machinist vise with replaceable matching pairs of
an original surface of the material are mounted and polished in
jaw mandrels of various radii contours.
accordance with Guide E3.
10.1.1 Photomicrographs, when taken, are prepared in ac-
7. Sampling
cordance with Guide E883.
7.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the requirements
of the specification under which the material was ordered.
10.2 The polished, but unetched, surface of the specimens
are examined under reflected polarized light or dark field
8. Test Specimens
illumination at a minimum magnification of 75×.
8.1 Longitudinal specimens, that is, specimens whose axes
10.2.1 Cuprousoxidewillappearasruby-redparticleswhen
are parallel to the direction of working are preferable.
viewed under polarized light.
However, equally reliable results can be obtained with speci-
10.2.2 Cuprous oxide will appear as blue particles under
mens in which the axis is perpendicular to the direction of
bright field illumination using white light.
working.
8.2 Specimens shall be of dimensions suitable for the
11. Application
performance of the required tests. Where necessary to cut a
11.1 This test method is applicable to Copper UNS Nos.
specimenfromanoversizepieceofmaterial,atleastoneofthe
C10100,C10200,C10300,C10400,C10500,C10700,C11700,
original surfaces of the material shall be retained in the test
and C12000.
specimen. Suggested dimensions for test specimens for Proce-
dures C or D are given in the following table:
12. Precision and Bias
Wrought Products Suggested Dimensions for
Test Specimens
12.1 A precision and bias statement is not applicable since
the results of these test methods merely indicate whether there
Flats (wire, strip, sheets, thickness—that of the product but should
bar, and plate) not exceed ⁄2 in. (13 mm) is conformation to a criterion for success specified in the
width—approx. ⁄2 in. (13 mm)
particular procedure.
length—approx. 6 in. (152 mm)
Shapes and forgings To the extent that the dimensions of the
TEST METHOD B—MICROSCOPICAL
material permit, the dimensions of the
EXAMINATION AFTER THERMAL TREATMENT
test specimens are those suggested for
the flat products specimens.
(Where the product dimensions, particularly
13. Scope
length, as in the case of forgings, do not
permit taking a specimen, the total
13.1 This test method describes a procedure by which the
product may then become the test
specimen for examination by presence of cuprous oxide (hydrogen embrittlement suscepti-
Procedures A or B.)
bility) is determined by microscopical examination under
Wire or rod diameter or distance between parallel
normal illumination at a minimum magnification of 75× after
surfaces—that of the product but not to
exceed ⁄2 in. (13 mm)
thermal treatment of the specimens.
length—approx. 6 in. (152 mm)
Tubular products:
14. Procedure
Diameter or distance between
parallel surfac
...

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: B577 − 16 B577 − 19
Standard Test Methods for
Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hydrogen Embrittlement
Susceptibility) in Copper
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B577; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 These test methods describe procedures for determining the presence of cuprous oxide (Cu O) in products made from
deoxidized and oxygen-free copper.
1.2 The test methods appear in the following order:
Sections
Microscopical Examination without Thermal Treatment 9 – 11
Microscopical Examination after Thermal Treatment 13 – 15
Closed Bend Test after Thermal Treatment 17 – 19
Reverse Bend Test after Thermal Treatment 21 – 23
1.3 Units—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.
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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:
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
E883 Guide for Reflected–Light Photomicrography
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 deoxidized copper—copper, n—material produced substantially free of cuprous oxide, by the use of metallic or metalloidal
deoxidizers, as determined by metallographic examination at 75× under polarized light. light, or dark field illumination. Oxygen
may be present as residual deoxidation products.
3.1.2 oxygen-free copper—copper, n—electrolytic copper produced substantially free of cuprous oxide without the use of
metallic or metalloidal deoxidizers as determined by metallographic examination at 75× under polarized light. light, or dark field
illumination. Oxygen may be present up to a maximum of 5 ppm in Copper UNS No. C10100 and 10 ppm in Copper UNS No.
C10200.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.06 on Methods
of Test.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016April 1, 2019. Published April 2016April 2019. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 20102016 as
B577 – 10.B577–16. DOI: 10.1520/B0577-16.10.1520/B0577–19.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B577 − 19
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 The presence of cuprous oxide is determined either by microscopical examination under polarized light or light, or dark field
illumination or by methods that involve heating the test specimens in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and rapidly cooling the
specimens without undue exposure to air followed by a microscopical examination or a suitable bend test.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 These test methods determine whether copper products will be resistant to embrittlement when exposed to elevated
temperatures in a reducing atmosphere.
5.1.1 It is assumed that all who use these test methods will be trained personnel capable of performing these procedures
skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped facility.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Method A—Metallographic equipment of the type described in Guide E3 and Guide E883 suitably equipped with a
polarized light illuminating device.or dark field illuminating capacities.
6.2 Test Methods B, C, and D:
6.2.1 Metallographic equipment of the type described in Guide E3 and Guide E883 provided with normal illumination.
6.2.2 A furnace of sufficient capacity, capable of maintaining the required reducing atmosphere while the specimens are being
heated. A rapid cooling device using either water or a reducing atmosphere is required.
6.2.3 A machinist vise with replaceable matching pairs of jaw mandrels of various radii contours.
7. Sampling
7.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the requirements of the specification under which the material was ordered.
8. Test Specimens
8.1 Longitudinal specimens, that is, specimens whose axes are parallel to the direction of working are preferable. However,
equally reliable results can be obtained with specimens in which the axis is perpendicular to the directionsdirection of working.
8.2 Specimens shall be of dimensions suitable for the performance of the required tests. Where necessary to cut a specimen from
an oversize piece of material, at least one of the original surfaces of the material shall be retained in the test specimen. Suggested
dimensions for test specimens for Procedures C or D are given in the following table:
Wrought Products Suggested Dimensions for
Test Specimens
Flats (wire, strip, sheets, thickness—that of the product but should
bar, and plate) not exceed ⁄2 in. (13 mm)
width—approx. ⁄2 in. (13 mm)
length—approx. 6 in. (152 mm)
Shapes and forgings To the extent that the dimensions of the
material permit, the dimensions of the
test specimens are those suggested for
the flat products specimens.
(Where the product dimensions, particularly
length, as in the case of forgings, do not
permit taking a specimen, the total
product may then become the test
specimen for examination by
Procedures A or B.)
Wire or rod diameter or distance between parallel
surfaces—that of the product but not to
exceed ⁄2 in. (13 mm)
length—approx. 6 in. (152 mm)
Tubular products:
Diameter or distance between
parallel surfaces:
Up to ⁄16 in. (8 mm), incl. full section of tube, approx 6 in. (152 mm)
long
Over ⁄16 in. (8 mm) to 1 in. a slit half section of the tube, approx 6 in.
(25.4 mm), incl. (152 mm) long
Over 1 in. (25.4 mm) a slit section approx ⁄2 in. (13 mm) wide and
6 in. (152 mm) long taken either transverse
or parallel to the tube axis
Refinery shapes a 0.080-in. (2.03-mm) diameter wire specimen
made by forging, swaging, hot rolling, and
cold drawing as may be necessary
8.3 All specimens made by cutting from larger stock shall have their corners or edges deburred to a slight radius before testing.
B577 − 19
TEST METHOD A—MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION WITHOUT THERMAL TREATMENT
9. Scope
9.1 This test method describes a procedure by which the presence of cuprous oxide (hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility) is
determined by polarized light or dark field microscopy examination at a minimum magnification of 75×.
10. Procedure
10.1 The test specimens taken transverse to and bounded by an original surface of the material are mounted and polished in
accordance with Guide E3.
10.1.1 Photomicrographs, when taken, are prepared in accordance with Guide E883.
10.2 The polished, but unetched, surface of the specimens are examined under reflected polarized light or dark field illumination
at a minimu
...