1.1 This test method describes the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric analysis of nickel, such as specified by ASTM Committee B02, and having chemical compositions within the following limits:
| Element | Application Range (Wt. %) |
| Aluminum | 0. 01 - 6.00 |
| Boron | 0. 01 - 0.10 |
| Carbon | 0. 01 - 0.15 |
| Chromium | 0. 01 - 33.00 |
| Copper | 0.01 - 35.00 |
| Cobalt | 0. 01 - 20.00 |
| Iron | 0.05 - 50.00 |
| Magnesium | 0. 01 - 0.020 |
| Molybdenum | 0. 01 - 30.0 |
| Niobium | 0. 01 - 6.0 |
| Nickel | 25.00 - 100.0 |
| Phosphorous | 0.001 - 0.025 |
| Silicon | 0.01 - 1.50 |
| Sulfur | 0.0001 - 0.01 |
| Titanium | 0.0001 - 6.0 |
| Tungsten | 0.01 - 5.0 |
| Vanadium | 0.0005 - 1.0 |
1.2 The following elements may be determined using this test method:
| Element | Quantification Range (μg/g) |
| Bismuth | 0.2 - 3 |
| Lead | 0.6 - 12 |
| Selenium | 0.7 - 10 |
| Tellurium | 0.4 - 6 |
1.3 This test method has only been interlaboratory-tested for the elements and ranges specified. It may be possible to extend this test method to other elements or different concentration ranges provided that a test method validation study that includes an instrument performance evaluation as described in Practice E1770 is performed. Additionally, the validation study shall evaluate the acceptability of sample preparation methodology using reference materials or spike recoveries, or both. The user is cautioned to carefully evaluate the validation data as to the intended purpose of the analytical results.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards statements see Note 2 and Section 9.