Standardization News

A proposed new ASTM International standard will provide an up-to-date method for the aluminum industry to analyze samples by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. WK35993, Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (Performance Based Method), is being developed by Subcommittee E01.04 on Aluminum and Magnesium, part of ASTM International Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores and Related Materials.

"Once the proposed test method has been approved, users will be able to analyze for up to 31 elements in aluminum alloys by ICP-AES," says Michael Ruschak, senior technical supervisor, analytical chemistry, Alcoa, and chairman of E01.04. "WK35993 will be useful for identifying alloys, checking for conformance to the Aluminum Association or registered alloy limits and for determining the elemental composition of a piece of aluminum."

All interested parties are welcome to join E01.04 in developing WK35993. The subcommittee is seeking laboratories that are qualified to analyze aluminum samples by ICP-AES to participate in an interlaboratory study.

CONTACT Technical Information: Michael L. Ruschak, Alcoa • Alcoa Center, Pa. • Phone: 724-337-5470 | ASTM Staff: Thomas O'Toole • Phone: 610-832-9739 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 11-14 • November Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.