ASTM E1086 outlines a standard test method for the chemical composition of Austenitic stainless steels by spark atomic emission spectrometry (AES). The method covers determining the concentrations of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, silicon, copper, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur. ASTM E1086 (Standard Test Method for Analysis of Austenitic Stainless Steel by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry) is used in the laboratory to determine chemical composition for manufacturing control, check material specifications, and determine stainless steel quality. It establishes the concentration of specified alloying elements and residual elements within a specified composition range. The method is intended for use with chill-cast disks and samples of stainless steel having a flat surface of not less than 13mm (0.5 inches) in diameter. The sample should be of adequate mass to avoid excessive heating due to spark discharge.
ASTM E1086 Analysis of Austenitic Stainless Steel
What is ASTM E1086?
What is the Scope of the ASTM E1086 Test Standard?
This standard test method addresses spark atomic emission spectrometry analysis of austenitic stainless steel. The method is for the determination of nine elements in the specified range of composition. The ASTM E1086 standard-
- Determines the content of austenitic stainless steel using spark atomic emission spectrometry.
- Analyses for chromium range from 17.0 to 23.0%.
- Ranges from 7.5% to 13% nickel.
- Range of determination: 0.01 to 3.0% molybdenum.
- Used for the determination of manganese in the range of 0.01–2.0%.
- Measures silicon content in the range of 0.01% to 0.90%.
- Determines copper from 0.01 to 0.30%.
- Determines carbon from 0.005 to 0.25%.
- The phosphorus determination range is 0.003 to 0.15%.
- Determines sulfur from 0.003 to 0.065%.
What are the Uses of ASTM E1086 Testing?
ASTM E1086 testing helps laboratories identify the chemical composition of austenitic stainless steel. Engineers use these results to confirm material composition, as a manufacturing control tool, and to compare stainless steel materials. This standard-
- Measures the chromium levels of stainless steel.
- Measures Ni and Mo levels.
- Tests for manganese, silicon, and copper.
- Measures carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur levels.
- Supports manufacturing control.
- Helps check the chemical composition of stainless steel.
- Helps with quality control of materials and compares materials.
Which materials can be tested under ASTM E1086?
ASTM E1086 is for austenitic stainless steel specimens that are suitable for spark atomic emission analysis. The method is applicable to samples with a wide range of elemental compositions indicated. Chill-cast disks or stainless steel samples with a flat surface of at least 13 mm (0.5 inches) in diameter can be analyzed in the laboratory. The sample should be in the same metallurgical condition and composition as the reference material(s) used for analysis.
Why is ASTM E1086 Important?
The method for determining the chemical composition of austenitic stainless steel is standardized in ASTM E1086. Analyzing the elements in stainless steel can assist manufacturers in ensuring that the alloying elements are in the desired range. The results are also used in manufacturing control and enable engineers to determine if the material composition is correct for the desired metallurgical properties.
ASTM E1086 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide
Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry equipment and appropriate reference materials are used to determine the chemical composition of stainless steel as per ASTM E1086. The surface of the sample is prepared in the laboratory to ensure proper conditions for spark analysis.
| Sample and Specimen Details | Chill-cast disks or appropriate stainless steel samples having a flat surface at least 13 mm (0.5 inches) in diameter are tested in the laboratories. |
| Specimen Preparation | Technicians prepare a clean, flat surface on the sample for spark discharge and ensure the specimen is heavy enough to avoid overheating. |
| Specimen Dimensions | The sample must have sufficient mass to maintain stable spark excitation and a flat analysis surface at least 13 mm (0.5 inches) in diameter. |
| Instrumentation | The analysis is performed using a spark-atomic emission spectrometer, appropriate reference materials, sample preparation equipment, and auxiliary measurement equipment. |
Testing Procedures and Requirements for ASTM E1086
Spark atomic emission spectrometry (AES) is used to measure elemental concentrations in austenitic stainless steel. The sample surface is prepared and positioned properly on the spectrometer for spark excitation. The composition of the reference materials should be close to that of the specimen. Reference materials and laboratory mathematical corrections can mitigate interference effects and instrument drift. The procedure outlined in the ASTM E1086 standard is as follows-
| Sample Preparation | Technicians prepare a flat sample surface suitable for placement in the spectrometer. |
| Spark Excitement | Technicians apply a spark discharge to the prepared sample surface, and the spectrometer measures the resulting atomic emission. |
| Elemental Analysis | Analysts determine the concentrations of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, silicon, copper, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur. |
| Reference Materials | Technicians analyze appropriate reference materials to verify analytical conditions and account for instrument effects. |
| Result Reporting | Laboratory personnel report elemental concentrations in weight percent along with sample identification and relevant test information. |
ASTM E1086 Testing Process and Data Collection
Analysts take samples from the representative austenitic stainless steel and prepare a flat surface for spark analysis. Then, technicians check the condition of the sample and set up the spectrometer with suitable reference materials. Then, the sample is subjected to the spark discharge, and the resulting spectral information is captured. The emission signals are then processed by the spectrometer to calculate the concentrations of the elements included in ASTM E1086. Lastly, the elemental results are analyzed, and the concentrations are reported in weight percent. These results can be used in the laboratories to check the composition of stainless steel and the consistency of its manufacture.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
To obtain accurate ASTM E1086 results, the surface of the sample must be appropriate, the reference materials must be appropriate, and the conditions of the spectrometer must be stable. Inconsistent elemental measurements can be caused by poor surface preparation, which can impact spark excitation. Technicians should confirm the condition of the sample and ensure that reference materials are close to the specimen composition. The drift and interference effects are also compensated with proper instrument standardization.
ASTM E1086 Analysis Results and Interpretation
The report provides a summary of the elemental composition in the tested austenitic stainless steel. The concentrations of the elements included in the selected ASTM E1086 procedure are reported by laboratories.
- The ASTM E1086 test yields elemental composition information, not a single test value.
- The elements chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, silicon, copper, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur are reported in weight percent.
- The obtained results are compared to the corresponding composition ranges.
- Laboratories record the sample identification and relevant test conditions.
- Laboratories can achieve reliable results by having consistent sample preparation, reference materials, and instrument conditions.
Get Certified ASTM E1086 Testing for Reliable Stainless Steel Chemical Analysis
To obtain the desired metallurgical properties, the chemistry of the austenitic stainless steels must be controlled. Accurate elemental analysis is necessary to ensure the material composition is correct and manufacturing is consistent. ASTM E1086 (Standard Test Method for Analysis of Austenitic Stainless Steel by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry) provides a standardized spectrometric procedure for determining major alloying and selected residual elements. These results can be used to assess the composition of the stainless steel, quality control, and material verification.
FAQ
Project Today
specialized laboratories ready to deliver results