ASTM C968-99

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the analysis of sintered gadolinium oxide-uranium dioxide pellets to determine compliance with specifications.

1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:

Sections Carbon (Total) by Direct Combustion-Thermal Conductivity Method 6 to 15 Chlorine and Fluorine by Pyrohydrolysis Ion-Selective Electrode Method 16 to 22 Gadolinis Content by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry 23 to 32 Hydrogen by Inert Gas Fusion 33 to 40 Isotopic Uranium Composition by Multiple-Filament Surface- Ionization Mass Spectrometric Method 41 to 49 Nitrogen by Distillation-Nessler Reagent (Photometric) Method 50 to 60 Oxygen-to-Metal Ratio of Sinterod Gadolinium Oxide-Uranium Dioxide Pellets 61 to 70 Spectrochemical Determination of Trace Impurity Elements 71 to 77 Total Gas by Hot Vacuum Extraction 78 to 85 Ceramographic Determination of Free Gd2O3 and Free UO2 to Estimate the Homogeneity of (U,Gd)O2 Pellets 86 to 93

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 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.