ASTM B115-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM B115-24 — Standard Specification for Electrolytic Copper Cathode. This specification establishes requirements for electrolytic copper cathodes (both electrorefined and electrowon), including chemical composition limits, acceptable physical condition for handling, freedom from foreign material, and basic test methods such as electrical resistivity determinations.

Abstract

Defines minimum material, dimensional and quality criteria for electrolytic copper cathode intended for further processing or trading. Specifies compositional grades (including Grade 1 equivalence to UNS C11040 except oxygen), handling and packaging expectations, and test procedures (units in inch‑pound with SI conversions provided for information).

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: 2024 (ASTM B115-24; last updated / published Oct 23, 2024 according to the ASTM store).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.150.30 (Copper products).
• Edition / version: B115‑24 (2024 edition).
• Number of pages: 10 pages.

Scope

This specification covers electrolytic copper cathode produced by electrorefining or electrowinning and intended as a primary form of refined copper for further manufacture or trade. It sets the compositional limits for specified grades, prescribes customary units (inch‑pound as standard, SI given for information), and calls out relevant test methods and handling/acceptance criteria. Annex material includes test method notes and safety caveats for laboratory practice.

Key topics and requirements

• Chemical composition limits for electrolytic copper cathode and identification of Grade 1 equivalence to UNS C11040 (except oxygen).
• Physical condition and handling requirements — cathodes shall withstand ordinary handling without breakage or excessive separation of nodules and be substantially free of foreign material (e.g., copper sulfate, dirt, grease, oil).
• Testing and measurement — electrical resistivity measured as the mean of results from multiple specimens and other specified test procedures.
• Units and tolerances — inch‑pound units are primary; SI conversions shown for information only.
• Notes on applicability — connection to Classification B224 and suitability of Grade 1 for downstream products such as wire rod (see cross‑references).

Typical use and users

Used by copper producers (electrorefineries and electrowinning operations), metal traders and commodity merchants, mills and fabricators that melt and remelt cathode material into rod, wire, strip or other refinery shapes, quality/control laboratories that perform acceptance testing, and exchanges or procurement departments that require specification compliance for purchased cathode lots. Commercial suppliers and traders commonly reference ASTM B115 when offering cathode material for industrial customers.

Related standards

Commonly referenced companion standards include ASTM B224 (Classification of Coppers), ASTM B49 (Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes), and other ASTM copper and refinery shape specifications (see ASTM copper standards collection / Book of Standards Vol. 02.01 for related items). These references help define downstream uses and compositional equivalence.

Keywords

electrolytic copper, copper cathode, electrorefined copper, electrowon copper, Grade 1 cathode, UNS C11040, cathode specification, copper products, ICS 77.150.30.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B115‑24 is the ASTM International specification that defines material, quality and testing requirements for electrolytic copper cathode (electrorefined and electrowon).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers compositional limits for cathode grades, acceptable physical condition and handling, required tests (including electrical resistivity procedures), and unit conventions; it also provides informative annexes and safety caveats for test methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Copper refiners, metal traders, mills and wire/rod manufacturers, procurement/specification engineers, and testing laboratories use this standard to specify and accept cathode material.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the 2024 edition (B115‑24) is the active version published by ASTM in 2024 (ASTM store shows last updated / published Oct 23, 2024). Older editions (for example the 2010 edition and reapprovals) are superseded by the 2024 release.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — B115 is part of ASTM's copper and copper‑alloy standards (Book of Standards Vol. 02.01) and is cross‑referenced with related specifications and classifications such as B224 (classification of coppers) and other refined‑copper specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: cathode, electrolytic copper, electrorefined, electrowon, Grade 1, UNS C11040, copper cathode specification, ICS 77.150.30.