ASTM C561-23

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Designation: C561 − 16 C561 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Ash in a Graphite Sample
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C561; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method provides a practical determination for the ash content in a graphite sample.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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 healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C562 Test Method for Moisture in a Graphite Sample
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D4175.
3.1.2 ash, n—in carbon and graphite technology, residue remaining after oxidation of a carbon or graphite.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method provides a practical estimate of nonburnable residues in commercially available graphite materials. The ash
values determined by this test method are of use in comparing the relative purity of various grades of graphite. To facilitate use,
this test method institutes simplifications that preclude the ability to determine absolutely the ash values of the test graphite
material due to uncontrolled sources of trace contamination.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.F0 on Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Products.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2016March 1, 2023. Published February 2016March 2023. Originally approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 20102016 as
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C561 – 91 (2010)C561 – 16. . DOI: 10.1520/C0561-16.10.1520/C0561-23.
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*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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C561 − 23
4.2 This test method is not intended for use in determining the ash content of purified graphites, for example, nuclear materials.
The relationship between the mineral content of a graphite sample and the ash content of that sample is unknown and is not
determined by the application of this test method.
5. Interferences
5.1 Although permitted within the scope of this test method, the use of alumina ceramic crucibles may affect results due to
difficulties in obtaining repeatable or proper weights, or both, because of (1) the hygroscopic nature of some ceramic crucibles,
and (2) the possible chemical combination of trace elements with the ceramic crucible.
5.2 Any ash or trace elements introduced to the sample will influence results. Contamination can occur during drilling to obtain
the sample and during pulverization. (See 7.1.)
6. Apparatus
6.1 Alumina Ceramic or Platinum Crucible or Dish, suitable for holding sample (subsequently called sample holder).
6.2 Analytical Balance, capable of weighing to 60.0002 g.
6.3 Muffle Furnace, capable of reaching 950 °C with controller capable of maintaining a temperature of 950 °C 6 20 °C.
6.4 Platinum or Stainless Steel Wire.
6.5 Desiccator, charged with indicating desiccant.
6.6 Drying Oven, air convection type, capable of being controlled to 110 °C 6 2 °C.
7. Sampling
7.1 Samples may be solid or particulate. Solid bodies may be sampled by removing one or more solid pieces from the body by,
for example, sawing, turning, mi
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