ASTM C838-16(2023)

Standard Test Method for Bulk Density of As-Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Shapes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides a means of determining bulk density on as-manufactured logs, blocks, or shaped articles.  
4.2 This test method is suitable for manufacturing control and acceptance specifications.  
4.3 Test Method C559 may be used when a higher degree of accuracy is required.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density of as-manufactured carbon and graphite from measurements of mass and dimensions at room temperature.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to boronated carbon and graphite.  
1.3 This test method is not applicable to carbon- and graphite-containing materials that are thermally unstable at or below temperatures of 200 °C.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 30-Nov-2023
• ICS: 81.080 - Refractories
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.F0 - Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C838-16 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density of As-Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C781-20 - Standard Practice for Testing Graphite Materials for Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactor Components
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7219-19 - Standard Specification for Isotropic and Near-isotropic Nuclear Graphites
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1836-16(2023) - Standard Classification for Fiber Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Composite Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1793-15 - Standard Guide for Development of Specifications for Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide-Silicon Carbide Composite Structures for Nuclear Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1039-85(2020)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Graphite Electrodes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7301-21 - Standard Specification for Nuclear Graphite Suitable for Components Subjected to Low Neutron Irradiation Dose
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1783-15 - Standard Guide for Development of Specifications for Fiber Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Composite Structures for Nuclear Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM C838-16(2023) is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the bulk density of as-manufactured carbon and graphite shapes. Developed by ASTM International, this test method specifies the procedures for measuring the density of logs, blocks, or shaped articles made from carbon, graphite, or boronated versions thereof, at room temperature. Bulk density is a key physical characteristic, providing valuable information for manufacturing control, acceptance specifications, and material quality assessment in a range of industries utilizing carbon and graphite products.

Key Topics

• Bulk Density Definition
  Bulk density refers to the mass per unit volume of a solid material, including both permeable and impermeable voids. In this method, the bulk density of carbon, graphite, or boronated carbon and graphite is calculated using mass and dimensional measurements at room temperature.

• Applicability
  The standard applies to as-manufactured articles, including logs, blocks, and shaped components, made of carbon or graphite. It is also suitable for boronated forms of these materials. It does not cover materials that are thermally unstable below 200°C or those containing carbon and graphite as part of another material system.

• Measurement Process

  • Mass and dimensions are measured accurately (to within 0.5%) using suitable equipment.
  • For cylindrical or rectangular shapes, measurements are taken at multiple points to ensure accuracy.
  • For irregularly shaped articles, corrections for cavities and protrusions are made if the volume can be determined with acceptable accuracy.
  • Samples are dried at 110°C to 200°C to ensure consistency in weight, with repeat weighings as necessary to minimize residual moisture.

• Precision and Reporting
  The method provides normal industrial precision, suitable for most manufacturing applications. When higher accuracy is required, ASTM C559 is recommended. Reports should include details about the sample (type, source, grade, geometry), individual and average densities, and specifics of volume corrections for non-standard geometries.

Applications

• Manufacturing Control
  ASTM C838 is widely used by manufacturers of carbon and graphite products to monitor and optimize production processes. Consistent bulk density is essential for meeting product specifications and ensuring consistent performance in end applications.

• Quality Assurance and Acceptance
  Bulk density measurements are a fundamental part of acceptance criteria for carbon and graphite stocks, helping to verify that materials meet customer or industry requirements.

• Process Improvement
  By identifying density variations in batches or between production runs, this standard supports troubleshooting and continuous improvement in graphite and carbon manufacturing.

• Material Research and Development
  Laboratories and R&D departments rely on bulk density determination using ASTM C838 as a benchmark for developing new grades or forms of carbon and graphite materials.

Related Standards

• ASTM C559 - Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measurements of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles. Preferred when higher measurement precision is necessary.
• Other relevant ASTM standards covering carbon, graphite, or boronated materials in manufacturing and testing environments may also provide complementary guidelines.

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Keywords: ASTM C838, bulk density, carbon, graphite, boronated carbon, boronated graphite, test method, manufacturing control, quality assurance, physical properties, SI units, density measurement.

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: C838 − 16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Bulk Density of As-Manufactured Carbon and Graphite
Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C838; 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.
1. Scope 3.1.1 bulk density, n—in carbon and graphite technology,
the mass of a unit volume including both permeable and
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density
impermeable voids (and boron compounds in the case of
of as-manufactured carbon and graphite from measurements of
boronated carbon or boronated graphite) present in the material
mass and dimensions at room temperature.
at room temperature.
1.2 This test method is applicable to boronated carbon and
graphite.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 This test method is not applicable to carbon- and
4.1 This test method provides a means of determining bulk
graphite-containing materials that are thermally unstable at or
density on as-manufactured logs, blocks, or shaped articles.
below temperatures of 200 °C.
4.2 This test method is suitable for manufacturing control
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
and acceptance specifications.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.3 Test Method C559 may be used when a higher degree of
standard.
accuracy is required.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Test Specimens
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Logs or Blocks—May be measured and weighed as-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
manufactured or after rough ends have been squared by
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
machining. The stock shall preferably have been indoors after
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
heat treatment; if there is doubt that the piece is dry, weigh, dry,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and reweigh it. Repeat, if necessary, until there is less than
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
0.1 % weight loss. The drying temperature should be from
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
110 °C to 200 °C.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.2 Shaped Articles—Other than right circular cylinders or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rectangular parallelepipeds may be measured, and a correction
made for the cavities or protuberances if the specimen volume
2. Referenced Documents
can be determined within 0.5 % (see 6.2).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C559 Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measure-
6. Procedure
ments of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
6.1 Logs or Blocks—Measure as-manufactured on the diam-
eter or cross section at two different locations, taking care to
3. Terminology
avoid distortions. Take four length measurements on cylinders
3.1 Definitions:
90° apart on the periphery of the circular end faces. On
rectangular pieces, make four length measurements, two each
along opposite faces. Make additional measurements, if
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee D02 on Petroleum
needed, to determine a valid mean for each dimension. Make
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D02.F0 on Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Products. dimensional and mass measurements with equipment accurate
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
to 0.5 %.
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C838 – 16. DOI:
10.1520/C0838-16R23.
NOTE 1—Corrections of
...