ASTM D1505-10

Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The density of a solid is a conveniently measurable property which is frequently useful as a means of following physical changes in a sample, as an indication of uniformity among samples, and a means of identification.
This test method is designed to yield results accurate to better than 0.05 %.
Note 3—Where accuracy of 0.05 % or better is desired, the gradient tube shall be constructed so that vertical distances of 1 mm shall represent density differences no greater than 0.0001 g/cm.3 The sensitivity of the column is then 0.0001 g/cm3·mm. Where less accuracy is needed, the gradient tube shall be constructed to any required sensitivity.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density of solid plastics.
1.2 This test method is based on observing the level to which a test specimen sinks in a liquid column exhibiting a density gradient, in comparison with standards of known density.
Note 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 1183-2.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2010
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.70 - Analytical Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1505-03 - Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F639-09(2015) - Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics for Medical Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F755-19 - Standard Specification for Selection of Porous Polyethylene for Use in Surgical Implants
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F2881/F2881M-21e1 - Standard Specification for 12 to 60 in. [300 to 1500 mm] Polypropylene (PP) Dual Wall Pipe and Fittings for Non-Pressure Storm Sewer Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM D5747/D5747M-21 - Standard Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geomembranes to Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F3384-21 - Standard Specification for Polydioxanone Polymer Resins for Surgical Implants
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F3534/F3534M-22 - Standard Specification for MRS-Rated Metric- and Inch-Sized Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Pipe for Gas Distribution Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM D3981-09a(2016) - Standard Specification for Polyethylene Films Made from Medium-Density Polyethylene for General Use and Packaging Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F2579-18 - Standard Specification for Amorphous Poly(lactide) and Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Resins for Surgical Implants
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM D787-18 - Standard Specification for Ethyl Cellulose Molding and Extrusion Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F3597-23 - Standard Specification for MRS-Rated Metric- and Inch-sized Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Pipe for Oil and Gas Producing Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F2820-12(2021)e1 - Standard Specification for Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) Polymers for Surgical Implant Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM D7082-21 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene Stay In Place Form System for End Walls for Drainage Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM D6645-18 - Standard Test Method for Methyl (Comonomer) Content in Polyethylene by Infrared Spectrophotometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Referred By: ASTM F2026-23 - Standard Specification for Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Polymers for Surgical Implant Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D1505 − 10
Standard Test Method for
1
Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1505; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 3. Terminology
3.1 Refer to Terminology D883 for definitions of other
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density
terms relating to this test method.
of solid plastics.
3.2 Definitions:
1.2 This test method is based on observing the level to
3.2.1 density of plastics—the weight per unit volume of
which a test specimen sinks in a liquid column exhibiting a
material at 23°C, expressed as follows:
density gradient, in comparison with standards of known
23C 3
density.
D , g/cm (1)
NOTE 2—Density is to be distinguished from specific gravity, which is
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 1183-2.
theratiooftheweightofagivenvolumeofthematerialtothatofanequal
volume of water at a stated temperature.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard.
4. Significance and Use
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 The density of a solid is a conveniently measurable
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
property which is frequently useful as a means of following
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
physical changes in a sample, as an indication of uniformity
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
among samples, and a means of identification.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 This test method is designed to yield results accurate to
better than 0.05 %.
2. Referenced Documents
2
NOTE 3—Where accuracy of 0.05 % or better is desired, the gradient
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tube shall be constructed so that vertical distances of 1 mm shall represent
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
3
density differences no greater than 0.0001 g/cm. The sensitivity of the
3
D2839 Practice for Use of a Melt Index Strand for Deter-
column is then 0.0001 g/cm ·mm. Where less accuracy is needed, the
mining Density of Polyethylene
gradient tube shall be constructed to any required sensitivity.
D4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic
5. Apparatus
Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
5.1 Density-Gradient Tube—A suitable graduate with
4
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
ground-glass stopper.
2.2 ISO Standard:
5.2 Constant-Temperature Bath—A means of controlling
ISO 1183-2 Methods for Determining the Density and
the temperature of the liquid in the tube at 23 6 0.1°C. A
3
Relative Density of Noncellular Plastics
thermostatted water jacket around the tube is a satisfactory and
convenient method of achieving this.
5.3 Glass Floats—A number of calibrated glass floats cov-
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
ering the density range to be studied and approximately evenly
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.70 on Analytical Methods
distributed throughout this range.
(Section D20.70.01).
Current edition approved July 1, 2010. Published September 2010. Originally
5.4 Pycnometer, for use in determining the densities of the
approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D1505 - 03. DOI:
standard floats.
10.1520/D1505-10.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.5 Liquids, suitable for the preparation of a density gradi-
contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
ent (Table 1).
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. Tubes similar to those described in Refs (1) and (2) may also be used.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D1505 − 10
TABLE 1 Liquid Systems for Density-Gradient Tubes
appropriate abrasive. Progress shall be followed by dropping
Density Range, the float in the test solution at intervals and noting its change
System
3
g/cm
in rate of sinking.
Methanol-benzyl alcohol 0.80 to 0.92
7.2 Calibration of Standard Glass Floats (see Appendix
Isopropanol-water 0.79 to 1.00
Isopropanol-diethylene g
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D1505–03 Designation:D1505–10
Standard Test Method for
1
Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1505; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density of solid plastics.
1.2 This test method is based on observing the level to which a test specimen sinks in a liquid column exhibiting a density
gradient, in comparison with standards of known density.
NOTE1—The comparable ISO document is ISO1183–2. There has not been any data generated to date comparing the results of the ISO method with
this method. 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 1183-2.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D941Test Method for Density and Relative Density (Specific Gravity) of Liquids by Lipkin Bicapillary Pycnometer
883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D2839 Practice for Use of a Melt Index Strand for Determining Density of Polyethylene
D4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
2.2 ISO Standard:
3
ISO 1183-2 Methods for Determining the Density and Relative Density of Noncellular Plastics
3. Terminology
3.1Definition:
3.1.1
3.1 Refer to Terminology D883 for definitions of other terms relating to this test method.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 density of plastics—the weight per unit volume of material at 23°C, expressed as follows:
23C 3
D , g/cm
(1)
NOTE 2—Density is to be distinguished from specific gravity, which is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of the material to that of an equal
volume of water at a stated temperature.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The density of a solid is a conveniently measurable property which is frequently useful as a means of following physical
changes in a sample, as an indication of uniformity among samples, and a means of identification.
4.2 This test method is designed to yield results accurate to better than 0.05 %.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.70 onAnalytical Methods (Section
D20.70.01).
Current edition approved Nov.July 1, 2003.2010. Published January 2004.September 2010. Originally approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 19982003 as
D1505-98.D1505 - 03. DOI: 10.1520/D1505-103.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail]ards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D1505–10
NOTE 3—Where accuracy of 0.05 % or better is desired, the gradient tube shall be constructed so that vertical distances of 1 mm shall represent density
3 3
differences no greater than 0.0001 g/cm. The sensitivity of the column is then 0.0001 g/cm ·mm. Where less accuracy is needed, the gradient tube shall
be constructed to any required sensitivity.
5. Apparatus
4
5.1 Density-Gradient Tube—A suitable graduate with ground-glass stopper.
5.2 Constant-Temperature Bath—A means of controlling the temperature of the liquid in the tube at 23 6 0.1°C. A
thermostatted water jacket around the tube is a satisfactory and convenient method of achieving this.
5.3 Glass Floats—A number of calibrated glass floats covering the density range to be studied and approximately evenly
distributed throughout this range.
5.4 P
...