ASTM D 7876 : 2026

1.1This practice covers the procedure for use of microwave radiation for sample decomposition prior to elemental determination by atomic spectroscopy.

1.2This practice is applicable to both petroleum products and lubricants such as greases, additives, lubricating oils, gasolines, and diesels.

1.3Although not a part of Committee D02’s jurisdiction, this practice is also applicable to other fossil fuel products such as coal, fly ash, coal ash, coke, and oil shale.

1.4During the sample dissolution, the samples may be decomposed with a variety of acid mixture(s). It is beyond the scope of this practice to specify appropriate acid mixtures for all possible combinations of elements present in all types of samples. But if the dissolution results in any visible insoluble material, this practice may not be applicable for the type of sample being analyzed, assuming the insoluble material contains some of the analytes of interest.

1.5It is possible that this microwave-assisted decomposition procedure may lead to a loss of “volatile” elements such as arsenic, boron, chromium, mercury, antimony, selenium, and/or tin from the samples. Chemical species of the elements is also a concern in such dissolutions since some species may not be digested and have a different sample introduction efficiency.

1.6A reference material or suitable NIST Standard Reference Material should be used to confirm the recovery of analytes. If these are not available, the sample should be spiked with a known concentration of analyte prior to microwave digestion.

1.7Additional information on sample preparation procedures for elemental analysis of petroleum products and lubricants can be found in Practice D7455.

1.8The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.9This 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning statements are given in Sections 6 and 7.

1.10This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.