Overview
ISO 11876:2010 is an ISO standard for testing hardmetals that specifies a flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) method to determine trace elements in cobalt metal powders. It covers the determination of calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel and zinc across defined mass-fraction ranges. The method is intended for routine quantitative analysis in powder metallurgy and hardmetal production where control of trace impurities in cobalt powders is critical.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and concentration ranges: Specifies target ranges for each element (e.g., Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn typically 0.001–0.01 %; Ca 0.002–0.01 %; Fe and Ni 0.002–0.05 %).
- Reagents and purity: Use very high-purity reagents and bidistilled (or equivalent) water; specific reagents include diluted nitric and hydrochloric acids and a cesium chloride solution for matrix modification.
- Sample preparation: Typical test portion ~1 g (weighing to 0.001 g). Dissolution with nitric and hydrochloric acids, addition of cesium chloride, and dilution to a controlled final volume (50–100 ml) are specified.
- Calibration and blanks: Prepare at least three calibration solutions with a matrix matching the sample and at least two blanks. Construct an absorbance vs. concentration calibration curve corrected for blanks.
- FAAS instrument settings: The standard provides recommended analytical wavelengths and flame oxidant/combustible pairs for each element (examples: Ca 422.7 nm - N2O/acetylene; Cu 324.8 nm - air/acetylene; Zn 213.9 nm - air/acetylene). Follow manufacturer slit recommendations.
- Measurement procedure: Aspirate blank, calibration solutions, then sample; perform at least two measurements per solution and prevent burner-fume build-up that reduces sensitivity.
- Result calculation and reporting: Convert absorbance to concentration (mg·L−1), account for dilution volume and sample mass to express mass fraction (percentage). The standard defines repeatability/reproducibility tolerances (expressed as coefficients of variation) and the required elements of the test report.
Applications and users
- Quality control and acceptance testing in hardmetals and powder metallurgy manufacturing
- Analytical and materials testing laboratories performing trace impurity analysis in cobalt metal powders
- R&D teams developing cobalt-based tool materials and cemented carbides
- Procurement and inspection units evaluating incoming cobalt powder batches
Keywords: ISO 11876:2010, hardmetals, cobalt metal powders, flame atomic absorption spectrometric method, FAAS, trace element determination, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, zinc, powder metallurgy, quality control
Related standards
- ISO 3534-1:2006 (statistical terms)
- ISO 5725 series (accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility of measurement methods)
- Developed by ISO/TC 119 (Powder metallurgy) - SC 4 (sampling and test methods for hardmetals)