ASTM D1875-03(2018)

Standard Test Method for Density of Adhesives in Fluid Form

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is particularly applicable where the fluid has too high a viscosity or where a component is too volatile for a specific gravity balance determination.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of density (weight per gallon) of adhesives, and components thereof, when in liquid form.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2018
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.10 - Working Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1875-03(2013) - Standard Test Method for Density of Adhesives in Fluid Form
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1-13 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D907-12a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-12 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-11a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-11 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08b - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM E1-07 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM D907-06 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1-05 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005

Overview

ASTM D1875-03(2018), titled “Standard Test Method for Density of Adhesives in Fluid Form,” is an ASTM International standard that specifies a reliable methodology for measuring the density (weight per gallon) of liquid adhesives and their components. This test method is especially significant for adhesive fluids with high viscosity or volatile constituents where other gravimetric methods, such as specific gravity balances, may not be suitable. By ensuring consistent measurement procedures, this standard supports quality control, product development, and regulatory compliance within the adhesives industry.

Key Topics

• Density Measurement Technique: Outlines the process to accurately determine the density of adhesives in fluid form, primarily using a calibrated weight-per-gallon cup at a specified temperature (25°C).
• Applicability to Challenging Materials: Designed for use with adhesives that are highly viscous or contain volatile elements that complicate other density measurement approaches.
• Standardized Conditions: Emphasizes the importance of temperature control (25°C) for both sample and measuring apparatus to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Testing Equipment:
  • Calibrated weight-per-gallon cup (typically 83.2 mL capacity)
  • ASTM Saybolt viscosity thermometer (for temperature confirmation)
  • Constant-temperature bath for thermal stability
  • Laboratory balance accurate to 0.1 g
• Sampling Procedures: Includes guidance on representative sampling from multiple containers to obtain reliable average density values.
• Safety and Environmental Considerations: Users are responsible for appropriate safety practices and for identifying any regulatory limitations.

Applications

The density of adhesives in fluid form is a key physical property affecting product performance, transport, and application. Common practical uses of ASTM D1875-03(2018) include:

• Quality Control: Ensuring each production batch meets specified density requirements for uniform performance.
• Material Selection: Assisting in the formulation and comparison of different adhesive products based on density.
• Regulatory Compliance: Providing standardized test results for product labeling, safety data sheets, and meeting local or international regulatory requirements.
• Process Optimization: Supporting process engineers in minimizing material waste and ensuring accurate mixing ratios by understanding adhesive density.
• Performance Evaluation: Correlating density with viscosity, flow, and volatile content, which are critical for adhesive application and curing behavior.

Industries that regularly benefit from this standard include manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging, where precise adhesive performance is critical.

Related Standards

ASTM D1875-03(2018) references and complements several other standards and practices, including:

• ASTM D907 - Terminology of Adhesives: Provides definitions for terms used in adhesive-related standards.
• ASTM E1 - Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers: Ensures temperature measuring devices meet required specifications.
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method: Offers guidelines for evaluating test method precision.
• Other Adhesive Test Methods - Further test methods for characteristics such as viscosity, strength, and stability may be relevant depending on the adhesive type and application requirements.

Conclusion

Adhering to ASTM D1875-03(2018) enables uniform, accurate, and repeatable density measurements for adhesives in liquid form, delivering practical value for manufacturers, quality assurance laboratories, and regulatory bodies. Its clear protocol and attention to challenging adhesive types support the development, specification, and safe use of adhesives across diverse industries, driving product quality and compliance globally.

Keywords: ASTM D1875, adhesive density, test method, liquid adhesives, weight per gallon, standard, quality control, sampling, viscosity, volatile adhesives

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1875 − 03 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Density of Adhesives in Fluid Form
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1875; 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 weight in pounds avoirdupois, of a U.S. gallon measure of the
liquid at 25°C, unless otherwise specified.
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of density
(weight per gallon) of adhesives, and components thereof,
4. Significance and Use
when in liquid form.
4.1 This test method is particularly applicable where the
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
fluid has too high a viscosity or where a component is too
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
volatile for a specific gravity balance determination.
only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 Weight-Per-Gallon Cup—A weight-per-gallon cup of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
plated brass or stainless steel with counterbalance is recom-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mended.Thecapacityofthiscupwithcoverisexactly83.2mL
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(2.81 fl oz) at 25°C (77°F).
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
NOTE 1—The use of cups that are factory calibrated eliminates the need
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
for further calibration. These cups are calibrated with distilled water so
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
that their proper net weight is obtained at 25°C.Atemperature of 25°C is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
therefore recommended when using these cups.Volume expansion of both
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
cup and the material to be measured causes erroneous results, if the matter
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
of temperature is not standardized. However, where less accuracy is
required, consideration of temperature differentials may be ignored.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 Thermometer—ASTM Saybolt Viscosity Thermometer
2.1 ASTM Standards:
having a range from 19 to 27°C (66 to 80.5°F) and conforming
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
to the requirements for Thermometer 17C as prescribed in
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
Specification E1.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
5.3 Constant-Temperature Bath, capable of maintaining a
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
temperature of 25 6 0.1°C (77 6 0.5°F).
3. Terminology
5.4 Laboratory Balance, 200 g (0.44 lb) or greater capacity,
accurate to 60.1 g (0.0002 lb).
3.1 Definitions—Many terms in this test method are defined
in Terminology D907.
NOTE 2—A hanging pan, triple-beam balance, or overhead-beam type
ofbalancewithscalesgraduatedto0.1ghasbeenfoundtoprovideresults,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the mean of which was consistent with the over all precision and accuracy
3.2.1 density, n—the mass (weight in vacuum) of a unit
of this test method.
volume of the liquid at any given temperature expressed as the NOTE 3—Fingerprints and smudges on the cup changes the weight and
is to be avoided. Handle only with tongs and with hands protected by
clean, dry, absorbent material.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.10 on Working
6. Sampling
Properties.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally 6.1 Take representative samples of the lot to be evaluated
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D1875 – 03 (2013).
from three or more separate containers, chosen at random. Do
DOI: 10.1520/D1875-03R18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Weight-per-gallon cups may be obtained from the Paul N. Gardner Co.,
the ASTM website. Pompano Beach, FL.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1875 − 03 (2018)
where:
not take samples from containers that appear to be nonrepre-
2.5400 = conversion factor for centimet
...