ASTM D1622-20

Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 If the material to be tested includes forming skins, the apparent overall density, or the apparent core density, or both, shall be determined. If the material does not have forming skins, the term overall density is not applicable.  
4.2 This test method is also applicable to spray foam materials.  
4.3 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no relevant ASTM material specifications, then the default conditions in this method apply.  
4.4 When density or apparent density is used in reference to a cellular plastic, without further qualification, it shall be interpreted as follows:  
4.4.1 density—shall be interpreted as being the apparent overall density if the material is to be used with forming skins intact.  
4.4.2 density—shall be interpreted as the apparent core density if the forming skins have been, or will be, removed before the material is used.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the density of a cellular plastic. Density can be evaluated as the apparent overall density (includes forming skins) or by apparent core density (forming skins removed).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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.
Note 1: This test method is equivalent to ISO 845.  
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: 14-Jul-2020
• ICS: 83.100 - Cellular materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.22 - Cellular Materials - Plastics and Elastomers

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1622/D1622M-14 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2935-17 - Standard Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2935-16 - Standard Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016

Overview

ASTM D1622-20 is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the apparent density of rigid cellular plastics, including both overall density (with forming skins) and core density (forming skins removed). Developed by ASTM International, this standard specifies precise procedures for sample preparation, conditioning, measurement, and calculation to ensure repeatable and reliable results. It is used widely across industries dealing with rigid foams, such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging, establishing a benchmark for material quality and uniformity.

Key Topics

• Apparent Density Determination: The standard provides methods to calculate either apparent overall density (includes forming skins from manufacturing) or apparent core density (with skins removed).
• Applicability to Various Materials: ASTM D1622-20 is suited for molded, extruded, and spray-applied rigid foams, adapting to the specific preparation and testing requirements.
• Conditioning Requirements: Test specimens must be conditioned at defined temperatures and relative humidity levels prior to testing, as specified in ASTM D618, to ensure consistency.
• Testing Procedure:
  • Weigh specimens precisely.
  • Measure dimensions accurately using suitable equipment.
  • Calculate apparent density by dividing mass by volume.
• Reporting Requirements: Reports must fully describe the material, preparation, test conditions, the number of specimens, calculated density, average and standard deviation, and date of testing.
• Precision and Bias: The method references a round-robin study for within-laboratory and between-laboratory variation, emphasizing the importance of following standardized procedures for credible, comparable results.
• Safety Considerations: Users are responsible for establishing proper safety, health, and environmental practices appropriate to their location and application when using the standard.

Applications

• Quality Control: Manufacturers and quality assurance labs rely on ASTM D1622-20 to verify the consistency and conformity of cellular plastic density in foam products.
• Product Development and Material Comparison: Engineers use the standard to compare new foam formulations or foam types by evaluating density properties, aiding in material selection for applications such as insulation panels, impact protection, or lightweight structural components.
• Specification Compliance: The test is referenced in procurement and product specifications to ensure materials meet required density criteria, which can affect mechanical, thermal, and insulating performance.
• Spray Foam Evaluation: The method includes specific guidance for preparing, conditioning, and testing spray-applied foam samples to accurately represent in-field application conditions.

Related Standards

• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing - referenced for conditioning protocols.
• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics - provides definitions of terms used in ASTM D1622-20.
• ASTM E456: Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics - details terminology for test precision and bias.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method.
• ISO 845: Cellular Plastics and Rubbers - Determination of Apparent (Bulk) Density - considered technically equivalent to ASTM D1622-20.

Keywords: ASTM D1622, apparent density, rigid cellular plastics, core density, spray foam, quality control, plastics testing, material specification, density measurement standard, foam insulation testing.

By following ASTM D1622-20, organizations ensure a reliable, standardized approach to measuring the apparent density of rigid foams, which is critical for performance, compliance, and product consistency across the plastics industry.

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: D1622 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1622; 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* 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 845 Cellular plastics and rubbers—Determination of
1.1 This test method covers the density of a cellular plastic.
apparent density
Density can be evaluated as the apparent overall density
(includes forming skins) or by apparent core density (forming
3. Terminology
skins removed).
3.1 Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
with Terminology D883, unless otherwise specified. For terms
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
relating to precision and bias and associated issues, the terms
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminol-
tion only and are not considered standard.
ogy E456.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 apparent core density (of a cellular plastic), n—the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
weight in air per unit volume of a sample, after all forming
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
skins formed during the manufacturing process have been
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
removed.
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 845.
3.2.2 apparent overall density (of a cellular plastic), n—the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
weightinairperunitvolumeofasample,includingallforming
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
skins formed during the manufacturing process.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 If the material to be tested includes forming skins, the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
apparent overall density, or the apparent core density, or both,
shall be determined. If the material does not have forming
2. Referenced Documents
skins, the term overall density is not applicable.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.2 This test method is also applicable to spray foam
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
materials.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
4.3 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any
test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2935 Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant
ASTM materials specification shall take precedence over those
Laboratory Applications
mentioned in this test method. If there are no relevant ASTM
material specifications, then the default conditions in this
method apply.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.22 on Cellular Materials -
4.4 When density or apparent density is used in reference to
Plastics and Elastomers.
a cellular plastic, without further qualification, it shall be
Current edition approved July 15, 2020. Published July 2020. Originally
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D1622/D1622M - 14.
interpreted as follows:
DOI: 10.1520/D1622-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 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
D1622 − 20
4.4.1 density—shall be interpreted as being the apparent relevant material specifications. In cases of disagreement, the
overall density if the material is to be used with forming skins tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and 65 % relative humid-
intact. ity.
4.4.2 density—shall be interpreted as the apparent core
7.2 Test Conditions—Conduct tests in the standard labora-
density if the forming skins have been, or will be, removed
tory atmosphere of 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 %
before the material is used.
relative humidity, unless otherwise specified by the contract or
relevant material specification. In cases of disagreement, the
5. Apparatus
tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and 65 % relative humid-
ity.
5.1 Analytical Balance or Scale, capable of weighing the
specimens to the nearest 60.1 %.
8. Number of Specimens
5.2 Micrometer Dial Gauge, Caliper, or Steel Rule, suitable
8.1 A minimum of three specimens shall be tested, unless
for measuring dimensions of the specimen to 60.1 %.
theentiresampleismeasuredasasinglespecimen(seeSection
5.3 Dual Component Spray Equipment, designed to meter 6).
the materials.
9. Procedure
9.1 Weigh the test specimen on a balance or scale to a
6. Test Specimen
precision of 60.1 %.
6.1 The specimen shall be of a shape whose volume can be
3 3
9.2 Measure specimen dimensions with a caliper or a gauge
readily calculated, and not less than 16.4 cm (1.0 in. )in
2 2
havingafootwithaminimumareaof6.5cm (1in. ).Holdthe
volume.
pressure of the gauge foot to 2.7 6 0.7 kPa (0.4 6 0.1 psi),
6.2 If the sample is a single object whose weight and
unless such pressure indents the specimen. In these cases, the
volume can be measured accurately, using the total weight and
pressure shall be reduced accordingly. When a sliding caliper
total volume to determine the sample density is acceptable. In
gaugeisused,thepropersettingshallbethatpointatwhichthe
this case, the test specimen is the entire sample.
measuring faces of the gauge contact the surfaces of the
6.3 When testing spray foam materials, specimens shall be specimenwithoutcompressingthem.Donotuseasteelrulefor
prepared as follows: dimensions less than 25 mm (1 in.). Measure all dimensions to
6.3.1 Test specimens shall be taken from finished foam a precision of 60.1 %. In general, three measurements shall be
madeofeachdimension.Itisacceptabletousealessernumber
samplesthathavebeensprayedfromcompoundsinaccordance
with 6.3.2. when the following conditions apply:
6.3.2 Spray the sample compounds at room temperature,
between 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F), unless alternative conditions
are otherwise agreed upon by the contractual parties. Spray
Maximum Allowed Maximum Allowed
Cross-Sectional Area Length of Longest
equipment shall be adjusted to the best spray pattern and
Perpendicular to Perpendicular
optimum performance. Spray apply a minimum 1.27-cm (0.5-
Measurements Measured Dimension Dimension
in.) layer of foam to a primed plywood base or other suitable
per Dimension
2 2
125cm (4 in. ) 10cm(4in.)
substrate approximately 0.95-cm by 63.5-cm by 63.5-cm
(0.375-in. by 25-in. by 25-in.).After a minimum of 5 minutes,
2 2
2 100 cm (16 in. ) 30cm(12in.)
spray apply a second layer at least 3.8 cm (1
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM 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: D1622/D1622M − 14 D1622 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1622/D1622M;D1622; 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*
1.1 This test method covers the density of a cellular plastic. Density can be evaluated as the apparent overall density (includes
forming skins) or by apparent core density (forming skins removed).
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values statedgiven
in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.parentheses are mathematical conversions to
inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 845.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2935 Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 845 Cellular Plasticsplastics and Rubbers—Determination of Apparent (Bulk) Densityrubbers—Determination of apparent
density
3. Terminology
3.1 Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminology D883For definitions of terms associated with plastic
materials, see , unless otherwise specified. For terms relating to precision and bias and associated issues, the terms used in this
standard are defined in accordance with Terminology D883E456.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 apparent core density (of a cellular plastic)—plastic), n—the weight in air per unit volume of a sample, after all forming
skins formed during the manufacturing process have been removed.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.22 on Cellular Materials - Plastics
and Elastomers.
Current edition approved April 1, 2014July 15, 2020. Published May 2014July 2020. Originally approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 20082014 as
D1622 - 08.D1622/D1622M - 14. DOI: 10.1520/D1622-14.10.1520/D1622-20.
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 the ASTM website.
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
D1622 − 20
3.2.2 apparent overall density (of a cellular plastic)—plastic), n—the weight in air per unit volume of a sample, including all
forming skins.skins formed during the manufacturing process.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 If the material to be tested includes forming skins, the apparent overall density, or the apparent core density, or both, shall
be determined. If the material does not have forming skins, the term overall density is not applicable.
4.2 This test method is also applicable to spray foam materials.
4.3 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test
specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM
materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no relevant ASTM material
specifications, then the default conditions in this method apply.
4.4 When density or apparent density is used in reference to a cellular plastic, without further qualification, it shall be interpreted
as follows:
4.4.1 density—shall be interpreted as being the apparent overall density if the material is to be used with forming skins intact.
4.4.2 density—shall be interpreted as the apparent core density if the forming skins have been, or will be, removed before the
material is used.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Analytical Balance or Scale, capable of weighing the specimens to the nearest 60.1 %.
5.2 Micrometer Dial Gauge, Caliper, or Steel Rule, suitable for measuring dimensions of the specimen to 60.1 %.
5.3 Dual Component Spray Equipment, designed to meter the materials.
6. Test Specimen
3 3
6.1 The specimen shall be of a shape whose volume can be readily calculated, and not less than 16.4 cm [1.0(1.0 in. ] in )in
volume.
6.2 If the sample is a single object whose weight and volume can be measured accurately, using the total weight and total
volume to determine the sample density is acceptable. In this case, the test specimen is the entire sample.
6.3 When testing spray foam materials, specimens shall be prepared as follows:
6.3.1 Test specimens shall be taken from finished foam samples that have been sprayed from compounds in accordance with
6.3.2.
6.3.2 Spray the sample compounds at room temperature (betweentemperature, between 20 to 24°C), 24°C (68 to 75°F), unless
alternative conditions are otherwise agreed upon by the contractual parties. Spray equipment shall be adjusted to the best spray
pattern and optimum performance. Spray apply a minimum 1.27-cm [0.5-in.](0.5-in.) layer of foam to a primed plywood base or
other suitable substrate approximately 0.95-cm by 63.5-cm by 63.5-cm [0.375-in.(0.375-in. by 25-in. by 25-in.].25-in.). After a
minimum of 5 minutes, spray apply a second layer at least 3.8 cm [1.5 in.](1.5 in.) in thickness.
6.3.3 Cut an approximate 2.54-cm [1-in.](1-in.) thick specimen from the second layer. For calculation of core density, remove
the bottom layer and the top skin. For calculation of the apparent overall density, cut a specimen that includes the forming skin.
6.4 If separate test specimens are cut from the sample, a minimum of three shall be used. The specimens shall be taken from
locations distributed throughout the sample.
6.5 When apparent overall density is determined using specimens cut from a larger sample, the ratio of forming skin area to
total volume shall be the same for the test specimens as for the sample.
7. Conditioning
7.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than
40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618, unless otherwise specified by the contract or relevant material
specifications. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and 65 % relative humidity.
7.2 Test Conditions—Conduct tests in the standard laboratory atmosphere of 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative
humidity, unless otherwise specified in this specification or by the contract or relevant material specification. In cases of
disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and 65 % relative humidity.
8. Number of Specimens
8.1 A minimum of three specimens shall be tested, unless the entire sample is measured as a single specimen (see Section 6).
9. Procedure
9.1 Weigh the test specimen on a balance or scale to a precision of 60.1 %.
D1622 − 20
9.2 Measure specimens specimen dimensions with a caliper or a dial-type gauge having a foot with a minimum area of 6.5 cm
[1(1 in. ].). Hold the pressure of the dialgauge foot to 2.7 6 0.7 kPa [0.4(0.4 6 0.1 psi],psi), unless such pressure indents the
specimen. In these cases, the pressure shall be reduced accordingly. When a sliding caliper gauge is used, the proper setting shall
be that point at which the measuring faces of the gauge contact the surfaces of the specimen without compressing them. Do not
use a steel rule for dimensions less than 25 mm [1 in.].(1 in.). Measure all dimensions to a precision of 60.1 %. In general, three
measurements shall be made of each dimension. It is acceptable to use a lesser number when the following conditions apply:
Maximum Allowed Maximum Allowed
Cross-Sectional Area Length of Longest
Perpendicular to Perpendicular
Measurements Measured Dimension Dimension
per Dimension
2 2
1 25 cm [4 in. ] 10 cm [4 in.]
2 2
1 25 cm (4 in. ) 10 cm (4 in.)
2 2
2 100 cm [16 in. ] 30 cm [12 in.]
2 2
2 100 cm (16 in. ) 30 cm (
...