ASTM E439 Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Beryllium

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What is ASTM E439?

ASTM E439 is a standard document that provides test methods for the chemical analysis of beryllium with chemical compositions within the specified limits. Major tests mentioned in the standard are as follows-

Chromium by the Diphenylcarbazide Photometric Test Method (0.004% to 0.04 %)
Iron by the 1.10-Phenanthroline Photometric Test Method (0.05% to 0.25%)
Manganese by the Periodate Photometric Test Method (0.008% to 0.04 %)
Nickel by the Dimethylglyoxime Photometric Test Method (0.001% to 0.04 %)

What is the scope of ASTM E439?

These ASTM E439 test methods for the chemical analysis of beryllium metal are primarily designed to be referee procedures for testing such materials for compositional conformity. These test methods cover the chemical analysis of beryllium having chemical compositions within the following limits:

Element	Concentration Range, %
Aluminum	0.05 to 0.30
Beryllium	97.5 to 100
Beryllium Oxide	0.3 to 3
Carbon	0.05 to 0.30
Copper	0.005 to 0.10
Chromium	0.005 to 0.10
Iron	0.05 to 0.30
Magnesium	0.02 to 0.15
Nickel	0.005 to 0.10
Silicon	0.02 to 0.15

ASTM E439 Testing Procedure and Requirements

A standard UV/Vis spectrophotometer is required to monitor absorbance at these exact target wavelengths to measure composition limits. The ASTM E439 specifies the following test procedures:

Chromium by the diphenylcarbazide (photometric) test method: Chromium is oxidized by peroxydisulfate in the presence of silver nitrate in this test procedure, and the chromium diphenylcarbazide complex is subsequently formed. Photometric measurements are taken at 540 nm.

Iron by the 1,10-phenanthroline photometric test method: Iron is reduced with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and transformed to the 1,10-phenanthroline complex in this test procedure. Photometric measurements are taken at 515 nm.

Manganese by the periodate photometric test method: Manganese is oxidized to permanganate with potassium periodate in a nitric-sulfuric-phosphoric acid medium in this test procedure. Photometric measurements are taken at 525 nm.

Nickel by the dimethylglyoxime (photometric) test method: Nickel is precipitated from an ammoniacal solution using 1,2,3-benzotrazole using cadmium as a carrier, in this test procedure. Following filtration, the paper and residue are washed with HNO₃ and HClO₄. In an alkaline medium, the nickel is oxidized by potassium peroxydisulfate, resulting in the formation of the nickel dimethylglyoxime hue. Photometric measurements are taken at 465 nm.

ASTM E439 Result Analysis and Interpretation

The net photometric reading of the test solutions is converted to milligrams of chromium, iron, manganese, and nickel using their respective calibration curves, according to ASTM E439.

Updated on September 4, 2026

About Author

Rohit Dhembare

Rohit Dhembare is an Operations Associate at Matestlab Inc., holds a postgraduate degree in Organic Chemistry and is trained in Materials Science testing techniques.
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ASTM E439 Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Beryllium

What is ASTM E439?

What is the scope of ASTM E439?

ASTM E439 Testing Procedure and Requirements

ASTM E439 Result Analysis and Interpretation

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