Scope:

ASTM E159 test method is useful for cobalt, copper, and iron which has an oxygen range from 0.05% to 3%, and for tungsten powder in the range of 0.10% to 0.5% oxygen. It cannot be used for silicon oxide (SiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), etc., that is not reduced by hydrogen at the test temperatures. 

Test Procedure

ASTM E159 test method consists of subjecting a sample of powder to the action of a hydrogen-containing gas under standard conditions of temperature and time and measuring the resulting loss of mass.

Video 01: Method to determine the loss of mass in a reducing atmosphere for metal powders (hydrogen loss)

Test Specimen:

The test specimen shall weigh approximately 5 g.

Data

In ASTM E159, the mass loss is calculated as follows:

Where,

A = original mass of the boat and powder specimen, g;

B = mass of the boat and powder specimen after reduction, g

C = original mass of the boat, g.

Conclusion:

ASTM E159 test method is used to determine the mass of hydrogen reducible constituents such as oxygen in metals like cobalt, copper, iron, and tungsten.