This International Standard specifies the methods for the chemical analysis of fine boron nitride powders used as the raw material for fine ceramics.

This International Standard stipulates the analysis methods of total boron, free boron, total nitrogen, aluminium, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, silicon, sodium, titanium, vanadium, zinc, carbon, and oxygen in boron nitride powders for fine ceramics. Total boron is determined by using either a fusion–titration method or a fusion–inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Free boron is determined by using either an acid digestion–ICP-OES or a methanol extraction–ICP-OES. If necessary, the boron amount which arises from the hydrolysis of boron nitride during sample treatment is corrected using spectrophotometry. Total nitrogen is determined by using either an acid pressure decomposition–distillation separation–titration method or an inert gas fusion–thermal conductivity method. Silicon is determined by using a fusion–ICP-OES. Aluminium, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, titanium, vanadium, zinc are determined by using an acid pressure decomposition–ICP-OES or a fusion–ICP-OES. Sodium and potassium are determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), flame emission spectrometry (FES), or ICP-OES following acid pressure decomposition. Carbon is determined by using a combustion–IR absorption spectrometry or a combustion–thermal conductivity method. Oxygen is determined by using an inert gas fusion–IR absorption spectrometry.