ISO 22863-6:2021

Overview

ISO 22863-6:2021 specifies test methods for detecting and measuring zirconium (particle size < 40 µm) in pyrotechnic compositions. It combines a qualitative colour‑rendering reaction (arsenazo III) and a quantitative ICP‑OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) procedure with a minimum detection limit of 100 mg/kg. Determination of zirconium presence by this standard is required when applying ISO 25947-5; quantitative data are optional but recommended for complementary information.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Tests for zirconium in fireworks and pyrotechnic compositions, particle size sieved to < 40 µm (per ISO 22863-1).
• Qualitative method:
  • Acid digestion (HCl, HNO3, HF*, HClO4), removal of fluorides, and colour test with arsenazo III in strong acid.
  • Positive if solution turns blue after reaction; negative indicates absence.
  • Sample size: 0.2 g.
  • Note: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) may be omitted if the composition contains no titanium.
• Quantitative method (ICP‑OES):
  • Full digestion using HCl, HNO3, HF, HClO4 followed by dilution to 100 ml.
  • ICP‑OES wavelength recommended: 343.823 nm.
  • Calibration curve with standards: 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 µg/ml.
  • Minimum detection limit: 100 mg/kg.
  • Sample size normally 0.2 g (duplicate analyses), with accuracy requirement that duplicate results differ by no more than 10% of their mean.
  • Blank tests and the standard addition method (Annex A) are specified to correct for matrix effects; Annex A uses 0.5 g samples.
• Apparatus & reagents: ICP‑OES instrument, quartz beakers, hotplate (up to 500 °C), analytical balance (0.1 mg), specified acids and reagents (arsenazo III, tartaric acid, urea).
• Reporting: Laboratory ID, reference to ISO 22863-6:2021, sample description (per ISO 22863-1), qualitative/quantitative results, anomalies.

Applications and users

ISO 22863-6:2021 is used by:

• Fireworks and pyrotechnics manufacturers for quality control and formulation verification.
• Accredited testing laboratories performing compliance testing and product certification.
• Regulatory agencies, customs and safety inspectors assessing hazardous substances and conformity with standards.
• Research and forensic labs investigating pyrotechnic composition and performance.

Practical benefits include consistent detection and quantification of fine zirconium in compositions for safety assessment, performance tuning (bright sparks, effects), and regulatory compliance.

Related standards

• ISO 22863-1 - General test method requirements and sample preparation (sieving to < 40 µm).
• ISO 25947-5 - Application context where presence of zirconium must be determined.
• Other parts of the ISO 22863 series covering additional specific chemical substances in fireworks.