ASTM B115-10(2021)

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.
Designation: B115 −10 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Electrolytic Copper Cathode
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B115; 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.
1. Scope* B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for elec-
Determine Conformance with Specifications
trolytic copper cathode; electrorefined and electrowon.
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Consid-
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
erations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
Related Materials
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
E53 Test Method for Determination of Copper in Unalloyed
information only and are not considered standard.
Copper by Gravimetry
NOTE 1—Cathode produced to this specification corresponds to the
designation “Cath” as defined in Classification B224 and may be used to
3. Terminology
produce all other coppers listed in Classification B224 that are normally
produced from “Cath” copper. 3.1 For definition of general terms related to copper and
NOTE 2—Grade 1 cathode conforms to the chemical compositional
copper alloys, refer to the current editions of Classification
requirements of Copper UNS No. C11040, except for oxygen, and is
B224 and Terminology B846.
suitable for the manufacture of wire rod as designated in Specification
B49.
4. Ordering Information
1.3 The following hazard caveat applies to the test methods
4.1 Orders for product shall include the following
describedinAnnexA2ofthisspecification: This standard does
information, as applicable:
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue (for example,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
B115 – XX),
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
4.1.2 Cathode grade (Table 1),
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
4.1.3 Size; full cathode or cut,
limitations prior to use.
4.1.4 Total weight of each size.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Chemical Composition
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Thecathodefurnishedshallconformtotherequirements
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
of Table 1 for the grade specified in the contract or purchase
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
order.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 These composition limits do not preclude the presence
2. Referenced Documents
of other elements. Limits may be established and analysis
2.1 ASTM Standards:
required for unnamed elements by agreement between the
B49 Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
supplier and the purchaser and such agreement shall be part of
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
the contract or purchase order.
Materials
6. Physical Property Requirements
B224 Classification of Coppers
6.1 Electrical Resistivity:
6.1.1 The maximum electrical resistivity for product pro-
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper
duced from Grade 2 cathode shall be 0.153 28 Ω·g/m (con-
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.07 on
Refined Copper.
ductivity 100.0 % minimum IACS) at 20 °C (68 °F) annealed
Current edition approved July 1, 2021. Published July 2021. Originally approved
when tested in accordance with Test Method B193. Measure-
in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as B115 – 10 (2016). DOI:
ment error is not included in the maximum/minimum limit.
10.1520/B0115-10R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on NBS Notebook 100 available from National Technical Information Service
the ASTM website. (NTIS), 5301 Shawnee Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312, http://www.ntis.gov.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B115 − 10 (2021)
TABLE 1 Chemical Composition
11.2 In the case of special requirements specified in the
A A
Element Grade 1 Grade 2 purchaser order or contract, specimen preparation shall be as
Percent,% agreed between the supplier and the purchaser.
B
Copper 99.95, min
C
11.3 In the case of dispute concerning specimen preparation
ppm
Selenium, max 2 10
for chemical composition specified in Table 1 or electrical
Tellurium, max 2 5
resistivity, specimen preparation shall be in accordance with
Bismuth, max 1.0 3
Annex A1.
Group total, max 3 .
Antimony, max 4 15
12. Test Methods
Lead, max 5 40
Arsenic, max 5 15
12.1 Chemical Composition:
Iron, max 10 25
12.1.1 For routine analysis of Grade 1 and Grade 2 cathode,
Nickel, max 10 20
Tin, max 5 10
the methods of analysis used shall be at the discretion of the
Sulfur, max 15 25
analyst.
Silver, max 25 70
Maximum allowable total 65 . 12.1.2 In the case of dispute concerning the chemical
A
composition, the methods of analysis shall be in accordance
Measurement error is not incorporated in the maximum limits, refer to 10.1.1.
B
Including silver.
with Annex A2, except for copper in Grade 2 cathode.
C
Determined from a melted sample.
12.1.3 In the case of dispute concerning copper content of
Grade 2 cathode, the method of analysis shall be in accordance
with Test Method E53.
7. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
12.1.4 In the case of dispute concerning special require-
7.1 Full-size cathodes or cathodes cut to size may be
ments stated in the purchase order or contract, the methods of
supplied as agreed upon between supplier and purchaser.
analysis used shall be as agreed between the supplier and the
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
purchaser.
8.1 Cathodes shall withstand ordinary handling without
12.2 Electrical Resistivity:
breakage or excessive separation of nodules. They shall be
12.2.1 In the case of dispute concerning electrical
substantially free of all foreign material; for example, copper
resistivity, the method of testing shall be in accordance with
sulfate, dirt, grease, and oil.
Test Method B193.
9. Sampling
13. Significance of Numerical Limits
9.1 For routine sampling of cathodes for analysis, the
13.1 Calculated values shall be rounded to the desired
method of sampling shall be at the discretion of the sampler.
number of places as directed in Practice E29.
9.2 In case of dispute concerning sampling for chemical
composition, or electrical resistivity, or both, the method of
14. Inspection
sampling shall be in accordance with Annex A1.
14.1 The producer shall inspect the product and conduct
9.3 In case of special requirements specified in the purchase
such tests as are necessary to verify that the requirements of
order or contract, the method of sampling shall be as agreed
this specification are met.
between the supplier and the purchaser.
15. Rejection and Rehearing
10. Number of Tests and Retests
10.1 Tests: 15.1 Rejection:
10.1.1 Chemical composition shall be determined as the per
15.1.1 Product that fails to conform to the requirements of
element mean of at least two replicate analyses of each sample. this specification may be rejected.
10.1.2 Electrical resistivity shall be determined as the mean
15.1.2 Rejection shall be reported to the producer or sup-
of results from four specimens.
plier promptly and in writing.
15.1.3 Inthecaseofdisagreementordissatisfactionwiththe
10.2 Retests:
resultsofthetestuponwhichrejectionwasbased,theproducer
10.2.1 In the case of compositional or resistivity dispute,
or supplier may make claim for a rehearing.
retests may be made under the conditions of 9.2.
15.2 Rehearing:
10.3 Umpire Test:
15.2.1 As a result of product rejection, the supplier may
10.3.1 In the case in which retest does not settle the dispute,
make claim for retest to be conducted by the producer or
further retest may be made by a qualified third-party laboratory
supplier and the purchaser. Samples of the rejected product
agreeable to both parties. This provision does not preclude
shall be taken in accordance with this specification and tested
other contractual agreements.
by both parties as directed in this specification, or,
11. Specimen Preparation
alternatively, upon agreement between both parties, an inde-
11.1 Forroutinetesting,specimenpreparationshallbeatthe pendent laboratory may be selected for the tests using the test
discretion of the preparer. methods prescribed in this specification.
B115 − 10 (2021)
16. Packaging and Package Marking 16.2.1 Each cathode bundle or container shall be marked to
identify source and grade.
16.1 Packaging:
16.2.2 When used, metallic identifying markers shall be
16.1.1 Cathodes,whetherfullsizeorcut,shallbeassembled
firmly attached only to the strapping or shipping container.
in bundles or containers of suitable weight for handling and
shall be prepared for shipment in such a manner as to ensure
17. Keywords
acceptance by common carrier for transportation and to afford
protection from normal hazards of transportation.
17.1 cathode; copper; electrolytic copper; electrorefined
16.2 Package Marking: copper; electrowon copper
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. SAMPLING AND SPECIMEN PREPARATION OF ELECTROLYTIC CATHODE COPPER FOR
DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A1.1 Scope A1.3.2.2 The quantity of cathodes required shall be that
necessary to flush the system plus 1 hour of melting furnace
A1.1.1 This practice establishes a procedure for the sam-
operation.
plingandspecimenpreparationofelectrolyticcoppercathodes,
A1.3.2.3 All cathode bundles shall be numbered and a
Grades 1 and 2, for the determination of conformance with
random number generator shall be used to determine which
specification requirements.
bundles shall be selected for the gross sample.
A1.1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to
A1.3.2.4 Should there be an insufficient quantity of cath-
be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
odes to comply with A1.3.2.2, then the procedure described in
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
A1.3.3 shall apply.
information only and are not considered standard.
A1.3.3 Cathodes for Other Uses:
A1.1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety
A1.3.3.1 Not less than 25 % of the original lot weight or 25
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
tons, whichever is the larger, shall be available in the original
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
packing for examination.
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
A1.3.3.2 Agrosssampleof24cathodes,ortheequivalentin
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sheared cathode pieces, shall be selected from a lot. To
A1.2 Terminology
guarantee random selection, all cathodes, or sheared cathode
pieces, of the lot shall be individually numbered, and a random
A1.2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
number generator shall be used to select the individual test
A1.2.1.1 lot—One shipment, or part of one shipment, pro-
pieces.
duced by one refiner. For use other than continuous cast rod
A1.3.3.3 In the case of sheared cathodes, 24 full cathodes;
production, shipments greater than 200 tons short shall be
48 half-plate cathodes, 24 each of tops and bottoms; 96
subdivided into lots not exceeding 200 tons each for sampling
quarter-plate cathodes, and 24 each of the four quarters, shall
purposes.
be selected.
A1.2.1.2 gross sample—The total number of test pieces
A1.3.3.4 The selection of test pieces of cathode sheared
selected from a lot and considered representative of the lot.
smaller than quarter plate shall be by agreement between the
A1.2.1.3 test piece—An individual cathode, or cathode part,
producer, or the supplier, and the purchaser.
randomly selected from the lot.
A1.3.3.5 Alternatively, to avoid individual numbering of
A1.2.1.4 sample—Aportionpreparedfromthegrosssample
cathodes, or sheared cathode pieces, in the case of large lots,
and considered representative of the gross sample.
provided both parties agree, individual bundles, or containers,
A1.2.1.5 specimen—Representative fraction taken from the
may be selected on a random basis, and then individual
sample for test.
cathodes, or sheared cathode pieces, within each bundle, or
container, shall be numbered and test pieces selected, using a
A1.3 Selection of Cathode
random number generator as just described.
A1.3.1 Nodules shall not be considered a sample represen-
A1.4 Sample Preparation
tative of the lot.
A1.4.1 Cathode for Continuous Rod Casting:
A1.3.2 Cathodes for Continuous Rod Casting:
A1.3.2.1 The cathodes shall be available in the original A1.4.1.1 The portion used for flushing the system shall not
packing for examination. be used for sampling.
B115 − 10 (2021)
A1.4.1.2 The remaining gross sample, minimum of one (f) The prepared cathode strips shall be melted in the
hour’s cast, shall be charged to the melting furnace. The rod cleaned crucible under an inert atmosphere. The molten metal
shall be thoroughly stirred with a clean graphite or other
coils produced from the caster shall be sequentially numbered,
noncontaminating rod.
excluding any coils with obvious defects normally attributed to
(g) Wheretheavailablecrucibleisnotlargeenoughtomelt
the rod casting process.
the composite sample, the 24 strips shall be grouped into two
A1.4.1.3 Chemical Composition—Each party shall select
or more batches of approximately equal weight for melting. In
two coils from which a segment of rod approximately 16 in.
such cases, the metal from each melt shall be separately
(406 mm) in length shall be cut at the trailing ends of the coils.
sampled.
Each rod segment shall be cut into four portions of approxi-
(h) The metal shall be sampled by one of the following
mate equal lengths. The 16 portions shall be divided into four
methods:
groups; each group shall contain one portion from each of the
(1) Ingots: Equal portions of the molten metal shall be cast
four original rod segments. The four groups of rod portions
into graphite ingot moulds at the beginning, middle, and end of
shall be placed in separate noncontaminating containers, then
the casting operation. The moulds shall provide ingots that are
3 3
sealed and identified for the supplier, the purchaser,
at least ⁄4 in. by ⁄4 in. (20 mm by 20 mm) in cross section and
contingency, and umpire if necessary.
4 in. to 8 in. (100 mm to 200 mm) in length. A sufficient
number of ingots shall be cast to provide in excess of 28 oz
A1.4.1.4 Electrical Resistivity—Each party shall select two
(800 g) of small chips when drilled, milled, or sawn, using
coils from which a rod segment of sufficient length for test
carbide-tippedtools.Thesurplusmetalnotcastintoingotsmay
shall be taken from the trailing ends of the coils. Each rod
be discharged by any convenient means.
segment shall be cold drawn into a wire about 0.080 in.
(2) Shot: Remove a portion of the molten metal using a
diameter (2.0 mm) and at least 160 in. in length (4 m). Each
ladle coated with a noncontaminating mould wash.The molten
wire coil shall be cut into four portions of approximately equal
metal shall be poured into a container of deionized or distilled
length, and the 16 portions shall be individually identified.The
water until shot in excess of 28 oz (800 g) has been produced.
16 wires shall be divided into four groups of four wires each,
The depth of the water shall be such that the metal will not
one from each of the four original rod segments; one group
adhere to the container. Before sampling, the ladle shall be
each for the producer, the purchaser, and the umpire, if
brought to the molten metal temperature, and the pouring rate
necessary.
shall be such that no metal will solidify in the ladle. The
surplus metal may be discharged by any convenient means.
A1.4.2 Cathodes for Other Uses:
(3) Pin Samples—Take in excess of 28 oz (800 g) from the
A1.4.2.1 Chemical Composition:
moltenmetalbyusingeithercommerciallyavailableevacuated
(a) From each cathode, or sheared cathode piece, of the
glass tubes of several millimetres in diameter and 100 to
gross sample a vertical strip shall be cut in such a position (see
120 mm in length.
Fig. A1.1) that the collection of the strips so cut represents all
points of the cathode, or sheared cathode piece, including the
NOTEA1.1—If the vacuum pump method is elected, it is recommended
that the user ensure the cleanliness of the copper tube, and the level of the
loops (hangers) for full cathode. All vertical sections shall be
impurities, if any, in the tube metal be determined to avoid potential
approximately the same width and cut sequentially from left to
specimen contamination.
right in the same order as that in which the cathodes were
(4) Divide the sample taken into four portions of approxi-
selected.
mately 7 oz (200 g) each and sealed in a noncontaminating
(b) The strips selected shall be immersed in 10 % volume/
package and individually identified; one each for the producer,
volume (v/v) hydrochloric acid at approximately 20 °C for 15
the purchaser, contingencies, and the umpire, if necessary.
min and then removed and washed in distilled or deionized
A1.4.2.2 Electrical Resistivity:
water until all visible extraneous contamination has been
(a) A minimum of four castings shall be made by pouring
removed.
the molten metal from (f)in A1.4.2.1 into a chill cast mould of
(c) Where excessive copper sulfate surface contamination
sufficient size to produce a wire approximately 0.080 in. in
is evident, the parties shall confer to determine the extent of
diameter (2.0 mm) and at least 160 in. (approximately 4 m) in
washing.
length.
(d) An electric induction or resistance furnace equipped
(b) Alternatively, the disputing parties may agree to obtain
with a graphite, or other noncontaminating crucible and a
a sample by drilling selected cathodes along the diagonals to
close-fitting lid of the same material with provision for an inert
obtain a total of about 140 oz (4000 g) drillings. The drillings
atmosphere within the cru
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