ASTM C889-11

Gadolinium oxide powder is used, with subsequent processing, in nuclear fuel applications, such as an addition to uranium dioxide. These test methods are designed to determine whether the material meets the requirements described in Specification C888.

The material is analyzed to determine whether it contains the minimum gadolinium oxide content specified.

The loss on ignition and impurity content are determined to ensure that the weight loss and the maximum concentration limit of specified impurity elements are not exceeded.

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the chemical and mass spectrometric analysis of nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide powders to determine compliance with specifications.

1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:

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

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 hazard statements, see Section 5.

7.1 This test method covers the loss-on-ignition of volatile constituents from nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) powder.

14.1 The percent gadolinium oxide content of powders, exclusive of volatiles, is determined by calculation after the material has been analyzed to determine the total impurities.