ASTM E1829-14 (2020) pdf free.Standard Guide for Handling Specimens Prior to Surface Analysis.
5Specimens should be transported to the analyst in acontainer that does not come into direct contact with thesurface of interest.
In most cases, the analysis will be performed on the “asreceived”specimen. Surface contamination or atmosphericadsorbates are not usually removed because of the importanceof analyzing an unaltered surface and as these are often theregions of interest.Care must then be taken in handling thespecimen to ensure that no outside agents come in contact withthe surface to be investigated.These agents include: solvents orcleaning solutions, gases (including compressed air) or vapors,metals，tissue or other wrapping materials，tape,cloth,tools,packing materials, or the walls of containers.If the specimensupplier is uncertain of the requirements for a specificspecimen, they should consult the analyst.In some cases (for example, for a large specimen),itmay be necessary to take a representative sample from thespecimen.Selection of a smaller sample from a larger specimen should be done while considering the information beingsought because inhomogeneities are often present. It is recommended that this choice be made in consultation with anexperienced analyst.Numerous methods exist for the mounting of a specimenin preparation for analysis. Refer to Guide E1078.Hazardous Materials—Special caution shall be exer-cised with specimens containing potential toxins or otherhazardous materials. Whenever possible, chemical hazard datasheets should be supplied with the specimen.
The severity of the requirement for specimen handlingvaries dramatically with the condition of the surface and thelocation of the information being sought.The list in AppendixX1 describes types of specimens by their increasing sensitivityto handling.
The analyst should be advised of the specimen history,special storage or transport requirements, exposure to possiblecontaminants, and the information being sought.The history of a specimen can influence thehandling of its surface. For example, a specimen that has beenpreviously exposed to a contaminating environment mayreduce the need for exceptional care if the surface becomes lessreactive. Alternatively, the need for care may increase if thesurface becomes toxic.ASTM E1829 pdf download.