ASTM C889-18

Standard Test Methods for Chemical and Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Gadolinium Oxide (Gd<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf>) Powder

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Gadolinium oxide powder is used, with subsequent processing, in nuclear fuel applications, such as an addition to uranium dioxide. These test methods are designed to determine whether the material meets the requirements described in Specification C888.  
4.1.1 The material is analyzed to determine whether it contains the minimum gadolinium oxide content specified.  
4.1.2 The loss on ignition and impurity content are determined to ensure that the weight loss and the maximum concentration limit of specified impurity elements are not exceeded.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the chemical and mass spectrometric analysis of nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide powders to determine compliance with specifications.  
1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:    
Sections  
Carbon by Direct Combustion—Thermal Conductivity  
2  
C1408 Test Method for Carbon (Total) in Uranium Oxide
Powders and Pellets By Direct Combustion-Infrared
Detection Method  
3  
Total Chlorine and Fluorine by Pyrohydrolysis Ion—
Selective Electrode  
4  
C1502 Test Method for Determination of Total Chlorine and
Fluorine in Uranium Dioxide and Gadolinium Oxide  
3  
Loss of Weight on Ignition  
8 – 14  
Sulfur by Combustion—Iodometric Titration  
5  
Impurity Elements by a Spark-Source Mass Spectrographic
Method  
C761 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric,
Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of
Uranium Hexafluoride  
3  
C1287 Test Method for Determination of Impurities in
Nuclear Grade Uranium Compounds by Inductively
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry  
3  
Gadolinium Content in Gadolinium Oxide by Impurity
Correction Method  
15 – 18  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.  
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-Jan-2018
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.05 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C889-11 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical and Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Gadolinium Oxide (Gd₂O₃) Powder
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM C859-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C761-18 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Uranium Hexafluoride
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1287-18 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Impurities in Nuclear Grade Uranium Compounds by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1408-16 - Standard Test Method for Carbon (Total) in Uranium Oxide Powders and Pellets By Direct Combustion-Infrared Detection Method
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2016
• Refers: ASTM C1502-16 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Chlorine and Fluorine in Uranium Dioxide and Gadolinium Oxide
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM C859-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM C859-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C888-03(2014) - Standard Specification for Nuclear-Grade Gadolinium Oxide &#40;Gd<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf >&#41; Powder
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C859-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C859-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C761-11 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Uranium Hexafluoride
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM C859-10b - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM C859-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1287-10 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Impurities in Nuclear Grade Uranium Compounds by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010

Overview

ASTM C889-18: Standard Test Methods for Chemical and Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Gadolinium Oxide (Gd₂O₃) Powder establishes analytical procedures to determine the chemical composition and purity of nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide powder. Gadolinium oxide plays a critical role in nuclear fuel applications, particularly as an additive in uranium dioxide fuels to optimize reactor performance and safety. This standard ensures that Gd₂O₃ powder meets the quality specifications set forth in ASTM C888, particularly regarding minimum gadolinium oxide content, acceptable impurity levels, and adherence to strict loss on ignition criteria.

Key Topics

• Chemical Analysis Procedures:
  ASTM C889-18 details standardized methods to analyze gadolinium oxide for compliance, including:

  • Carbon determination by direct combustion and infrared detection
  • Total chlorine and fluorine analysis via pyrohydrolysis and ion-selective electrodes
  • Loss on ignition for volatile content assessment
  • Sulfur analysis by combustion and titration
  • Detection of impurity elements using spark-source mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), or atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES)
  • Gadolinium content calculation using impurity correction methods

• Quality and Purity Assurance:
  The standard ensures the material contains a minimum specified gadolinium oxide content, and that impurity concentrations, including critical elements like boron, cadmium, thorium, and rare earths, are strictly controlled to guarantee nuclear-grade material suitability.

• Reference to Related Methods:
  ASTM C889-18 references other applicable standards (e.g., ASTM C1408, C1502, C761, C1287) for specific analytical techniques, promoting consistency and compatibility within the nuclear materials testing community.

Applications

• Nuclear Fuel Manufacturing:
  Accurate and reliable analysis of nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide ensures compliance with strict industry standards, supporting its use in nuclear fuel fabrication as a burnable poison for controlling reactivity and extending fuel life.

• Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance:
  Laboratories and manufacturers use ASTM C889-18 to verify material specifications-such as minimum Gd₂O₃ content and maximum allowable impurities-meeting both internal quality requirements and regulatory demands for nuclear safety.

• Materials Certification:
  By testing according to ASTM C889-18, suppliers can certify batches of gadolinium oxide powder, providing traceable evidence of quality for end users in the nuclear sector.

• Cross-Laboratory Consistency:
  The detailed testing protocols promote uniform results across laboratories, supporting data comparability and confidence for both suppliers and purchasers.

Related Standards

• ASTM C888: Specification for nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) powder, which provides the relevant compositional and impurity limits referenced in C889-18.

• ASTM C761: Test methods for chemical, mass spectrometric, spectrochemical, nuclear, and radiochemical analysis of uranium hexafluoride.

• ASTM C1287: Test method for determining impurities in nuclear-grade uranium compounds using ICP-MS.

• ASTM C1408: Test method for determining total carbon in uranium oxide powders and pellets.

• ASTM C1502: Test method for total chlorine and fluorine in uranium dioxide and gadolinium oxide.

• ASTM D1193: Specification for reagent water, ensuring purity standards for chemicals used during analysis.

---

ASTM C889-18 remains an essential tool for laboratories and manufacturers working with nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide powder. By following the test procedures outlined in this standard, the nuclear industry maintains high levels of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, supporting the efficient and secure operation of nuclear reactors worldwide.

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: C889 − 18
Standard Test Methods for
Chemical and Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Nuclear-
Grade Gadolinium Oxide (Gd O ) Powder
2 3
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C889; 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 mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the chemical
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
and mass spectrometric analysis of nuclear-grade gadolinium
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
oxide powders to determine compliance with specifications.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Sections
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Carbon by Direct Combustion—Thermal Conductivity
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
C1408 Test Method for Carbon (Total) in Uranium Oxide
Powders and Pellets By Direct Combustion-Infrared
Detection Method
2. Referenced Documents
Total Chlorine and Fluorine by Pyrohydrolysis Ion—
Selective Electrode
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1502 Test Method for Determination of Total Chlorine and
C761 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric,
Fluorine in Uranium Dioxide and Gadolinium Oxide
Loss of Weight on Ignition 8–14 Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and RadiochemicalAnalysis of
Sulfur by Combustion—Iodometric Titration
Uranium Hexafluoride
Impurity Elements by a Spark-Source Mass Spectrographic
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
Method
C761 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, C888 Specification for Nuclear-Grade Gadolinium Oxide
Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of
(Gd O ) Powder
2 3
Uranium Hexafluoride
3 C1287 Test Method for Determination of Impurities in
C1287 Test Method for Determination of Impurities in
Nuclear Grade Uranium Compounds by Inductively
Nuclear Grade Uranium Compounds by Inductively
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Gadolinium Content in Gadolinium Oxide by Impurity 15–18
C1408 Test Method for Carbon (Total) in Uranium Oxide
Correction Method
Powders and Pellets By Direct Combustion-Infrared De-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
tection Method
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
C1502 Test Method for Determination of Total Chlorine and
standard.
Fluorine in Uranium Dioxide and Gadolinium Oxide
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to the nuclear fuel
cycle, refer to Terminology C859.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on
Nuclear Fuel Cycle and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on
Methods of Test.
4. Significance and Use
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2018. Published February 2018. Originally
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as C889 – 11. DOI:
4.1 Gadolinium oxide powder is used, with subsequent
10.1520/C0889-18.
processing, in nuclear fuel applications, such as an addition to
Discontinued January 1999. See C1408.
3 uranium dioxide.These test methods are designed to determine
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
whether the material meets the requirements described in
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Specification C888.
the ASTM website.
4.1.1 The material is analyzed to determine whether it
Discontinued March 2005. See C1502.
Discontinued January 1999. See C889 – 90. contains the minimum gadolinium oxide content specified.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C889 − 18
4.1.2 The loss on ignition and impurity content are deter- 10. Apparatus
mined to ensure that the weight loss and the maximum
10.1 Combustion Equipment—A suitable muffle furnace
concentration limit of specified impurity elements are not
capable of heating to 1000°C.
exceeded.
10.2 Crucible, ceramic, nickel, or platinum with a 10-g
capacity.
5. Reagents
10.3 Desiccator.
5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
10.4 Balance.
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
11. Reagent
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
11.1 Drying Desiccant.
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
12. Procedure
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
12.1 Heat the furnace to 925 6 25°C.
accuracy of the determination.
12.2 Weigh5gofGd O to the near
...

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: C889 − 11 C889 − 18
Standard Test Methods for
Chemical and Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Nuclear-
Grade Gadolinium Oxide (Gd O ) Powder
2 3
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C889; 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 cover procedures for the chemical and mass spectrometric analysis of nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide
powders to determine compliance with specifications.
1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:
Sections
Carbon by Direct Combustion—Thermal Conductivity
C1408 Test Method for Carbon (Total) in Uranium Oxide
Powders and Pellets By Direct Combustion-Infrared
Detection Method
C1408 Test Method for Carbon (Total) in Uranium Oxide
Powders and Pellets By Direct Combustion-Infrared
Detection Method
Total Chlorine and Fluorine by Pyrohydrolysis Ion—
Selective Electrode
C1502 Test Method for Determination of Total Chlorine and
Fluorine in Uranium Dioxide and Gadolinium Oxide
C1502 Test Method for Determination of Total Chlorine and
Fluorine in Uranium Dioxide and Gadolinium Oxide
Loss of Weight on Ignition 7 – 13
Loss of Weight on Ignition 8 – 14
Sulfur by Combustion—Iodometric Titration
Impurity Elements by a Spark-Source Mass Spectrographic
Method
C761 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric,
Spectrochemical,Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of
Uranium Hexafluoride
C761 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric,
Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of
Uranium Hexafluoride
C1287 Test Method for Determination of Impurities In
Uranium Dioxide By Inductively
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
C1287 Test Method for Determination of Impurities in
Nuclear Grade Uranium Compounds by Inductively
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Gadolinium Content in Gadolinium Oxide by Impurity 14 – 17
Correction
Gadolinium Content in Gadolinium Oxide by Impurity 15 – 18
Correction Method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods
of Test.
Current edition approved June 1, 2011Feb. 1, 2018. Published June 2011February 2018. Originally approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 20062011 as
C889 – 06.C889 – 11. DOI: 10.1520/C0889-11.10.1520/C0889-18.
Discontinued January 1999. See C889C1408–90.
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.
Discontinued March 2005. See C1408C1502.
Discontinued March 2005.January 1999. See C889C889 – 90.–90.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C889 − 18
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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 56.
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:
C761 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Uranium
Hexafluoride
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
C888 Specification for Nuclear-Grade Gadolinium Oxide (Gd O ) Powder
2 3
C1287 Test Method for Determination of Impurities in Nuclear Grade Uranium Compounds by Inductively Coupled Plasma
Mass Spectrometry
C1408 Test Method for Carbon (Total) in Uranium Oxide Powders and Pellets By Direct Combustion-Infrared Detection Method
C1502 Test Method for Determination of Total Chlorine and Fluorine in Uranium Dioxide and Gadolinium Oxide
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to the nuclear fuel cycle, refer to Terminology C859.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Gadolinium oxide powder is used, with subsequent processing, in nuclear fuel applications, such as an addition to uranium
dioxide. These test methods are designed to determine whether the material meets the requirements described in Specification
C888.
4.1.1 The material is analyzed to determine whether it contains the minimum gadolinium oxide content specified.
4.1.2 The loss on ignition and impurity content are determined to ensure that the weight loss and the maximum concentration
limit of specified impurity elements are not exceeded.
5. Reagents
5.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high
purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
5.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined in
Specificati
...