Designation: D 1505 – 98 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1505; 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 (e) 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.
NOTE 1—The comparable ISO method is R1183-1987.
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 appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 941 Test Method for Density and Relative Density (Spe-
cific Gravity) of Liquids by Lipkin Bicapillary Pycnom-
eter2
D 1928 Practice for Preparation of Compression-Molded
Polyethylene Test Sheets and Test Specimens3
D 2839 Practice for Use of a Melt Index Strand for Deter-
mining Density of Polyethylene4
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method5
2.2 ISO Standard:
R 1183-1987 Methods for Determining the Density and
Relative Density of Noncellular Plastics6
3. Terminology
3.1 Definition:
3.1.1 density of plastics—the weight per unit volume of
material at 23°C, expressed as follows:
D23C, g/cm 3
(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 %.
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.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Density-Gradient Tube—A suitable graduate with
ground-glass stopper.7
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 cov-
ering the density range to be studied and approximately evenly
distributed throughout this range.
5.4 Pycnometer, for use in determining the densities of the
standard floats.
5.5 Liquids, suitable for the preparation of a density gradi-
ent (Table 1).
NOTE 4—It is very important that none of the liquids used in the tube
exert a solvent or chemical effect upon the test specimens during the time
of specimen immersion.
5.6 Hydrometers—A set of suitable hydrometers covering
the range of densities to be measured. These hydrometers
should have 0.001 density graduations.
1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-20 on Plastic
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.70 on Analytical Methods
(Section D20.70.01).
Current edition approved March 10, 1998. Published February 1999. Originally
published as D 1505 – 57 T. Last previous edition D 1505 – 96.
2 Discontinued; see 1992 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
3 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
4 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.
5 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
6 Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Floor, New York, NY 10036. 7 Tubes similar to those described in Refs (6) and (12) may also be used.
1
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
5.7 Analytical Balance, with a sensitivity of 0.001 g.
5.8 Siphon or Pipet Arrangement, for filling the gradient
tube. This piece of equipment should be constructed so that the
rate of flow of liquid may be regulated to 10 6 5 mL/min.
6. Test Specimen
6.1 The test specimen shall consist of a piece of the material
under test. The piece may be cut to any shape convenient for
easy identification, but should have dimensions that permit the
most accurate position measurement of the center of volume of
the suspended specimen (Note 5). Care should be taken in
cutting specimens to avoid change in density resulting from
compressive stress.
NOTE 5—The equilibrium positions of film specimens in the thickness
range from 0.025 to 0.051 mm (0.001 to 0.002 in.) may be affected by
interfacial tension. If this affect is suspected, films not less than 0.127 mm
(0.005 in.) in thickness should be tested.
6.2 The specimen shall be free of foreign matter and voids
and shall have no cavities or surface characteristics that will
cause entrapment of bubbles.
7. Preparation of Density-Gradient Columns
7.1 Preparation of Standard Glass Floats8—Prepare glass
floats by any convenient method such that they are fully
annealed, approximately spherical, have a maximum diameter
less than one fourth the inside diameter of the column, and do
not interfere with the test specimens. Prepare a solution (400 to
600 mL) of the liquids to be used in the gradient tube such that
the density of the solution is approximately equal to the desired
lowest density. When the floats are at room temperature, drop
them gently into the solution. Save the floats that sink very
slowly, and discard those that sink very fast, or save them for
another tube. If necessary to obtain a suitable range of floats,
grind selected floats to the desired density by rubbing the head
part of the float on a glass plate on which is spread a thin slurry
of 400 or 500-mesh silicon carbide (Carborundum) or other
appropriate abrasive. Progress may be followed by dropping
the float in the test solution at intervals and noting its change
in rate of sinking.
7.2 Calibration of Standard Glass Floats (see Appendix
X1):
7.2.1 Place a tall cylinder in the constant-temperature bath
maintained at 23 6 0.1°C. Then fill the cylinder about two
thirds full with a solution of two suitable liquids, the density of
which can be varied over the desired range by the addition of
either liquid to the mixture. After the cylinder and solution
have attained temperature equilibrium, place the float in the
solution, and if it sinks, add the denser liquid by suitable means
with good stirring until the float reverses direction of move-
ment. If the float rises, add the less dense liquid by suitable
means with good stirring until the float reverses direction of
movement.
7.2.2 When reversal of movement has been observed, re-
duce the amount of the liquid additions to that equivalent to
0.0001-g/cm
3
density. When an addition equivalent to 0.0001-
g/cm3 density causes a reversal of movement, or when the float
remains completely stationary for at least 15 min, the float and
liquid are in satisfactory balance. The cylinder must be covered
whenever it is being observed for balance, and the liquid
surface must be below the surface of the liquid in the
constant-temperature bath. After vigorous stirring, the liquid
may continue to move for a considerable length of time; make
sure that the observed movement of the float is not due to liquid
motion by waiting at least 15 min after stirring has stopped
before observing the float.
7.2.3 When balance has been obtained, fill a freshly cleaned
and dried pycnometer with the solution and place it in the 23
6 0.1°C bath for sufficient time to allow temperature equilib-
rium of the glass. Determine the density of the solution by
normal methods (Test Method D 941) and make “in vacuo”
corrections for all weighings. Record this as the density of the
float. Repeat the procedure for each float.
7.3 Gradient Tube Preparation (see appendix for details):
7.3.1 Method A—Stepwise addition.
7.3.2 Method B—Continuous filling (liquid entering gradi-
ent tube becomes progressively less dense).
7.3.3 Method C—Continuous filling (liquid entering gradi-
ent tube becomes progressively more dense).
8. Conditioning
8.1 Test specimens whose change in density on conditioning
may be greater than the accuracy required of the density
determination shall be conditioned before testing in accordance
with the method listed in the applicable ASTM material
specification.
9. Procedure
9.1 Wet three representative test specimens with the less
dense of the two liquids used in the tube and gently place them
in the tube. Allow the tube and specimens to reach equilibrium,
which will require 10 min or more. Thin films of 1 to 2 mils in
thickness require approximately 1|n$ h to settle, and recheck-
ing after several hours is advisable (Note 4).
9.2 Read the height of each float and each specimen by a
line through the individual center of volume and averaging the
three values. When a cathetometer is used, measure the height
of the floats and specimens from an arbitrary level using a line
through their center of volume. If equilibrium is not obtained,
the specimen may be imbibing the liquid.
9.3 Old samples can be removed without destroying the
gradient by slowly withdrawing a wire screen basket attached
to a long wire (Note 6). This can be conveniently done by
8 Glass floats may be purchased from American Density Materials, Inc., RD2
Box 38E, Belvidere, NJ 07823.
TABLE 1 Liquid Systems for Density-Gradient Tubes
System Density Range,g/cm3
Methanol-benzyl alcohol 0.80 to 0.92
Isopropanol-water 0.79 to 1.00
Isopropanol-diethylene glycol 0.79 to 1.11
Ethanol-carbon tetrachloride 0.79 to 1.59
Toluene-carbon tetrachloride 0.87 to 1.59
Water-sodium bromide 1.00 to 1.41
Water-calcium nitrate 1.00 to 1.60
Carbon tetrachloride-trimethylene dibromide 1.60 to 1.99
Trimethylene dibromide-ethylene bromide 1.99 to 2.18
Ethylene bromide-bromoform 2.18 to 2.89
D 1505
2
means of a clock motor. Withdraw the basket from the bottom
of the tube and, after cleaning, return it to the bottom of the
tube. It is essential that this procedure be performed at a slow
enough rate (approximately 30 min/300-mm length of column)
so that the density gradient is not disturbed.
NOTE 6—Whenever it is observed that air bubbles are collecting on
samples in the column, a vacuum applied to the column will correct this.
10. Calculation
10.1 The densities of the samples may be determined
graphically or by calculation from the levels to which the
samples settle by either of the following methods:
10.1.1 Graphical Calculation—Plot float position versus
float density on a chart large enough to be read accurately to
61 mm and the desired precision of density. Plot the positions
of the unknown specimens on the chart and read their corre-
sponding densities.
10.1.2 Numerical Calculation—Calculate the density by
interpolation as follows:
Density at x 5 a 1 @~x 2 y!~b 2 a!/~z 2 y!# (2)
where:
a and b 5 densities of the two standard floats,
y and z 5 distances of the two standards, a and b, respec-
tively, bracketing the unknown measured from
an arbitrary level, and
x 5 distance of unknown above the same arbitrary
level.
11. Report
11.1 Report the following information:
11.1.1 Density reported as D23C, in grams per cubic centi-
metre, as the average for three representative test specimens,
11.1.2 Number of specimens tested if different than three,
11.1.3 Sensitivity of density gradient in grams per cubic
centimetre per millimetre,
11.1.4 Complete identification of the material tested, and
11.1.5 Date of the test.
12. Precision and Bias 9
12.1 Specimens Molded in One Laboratory and Tested in
Several Laboratories—An interlaboratory test was run in 1981
in which randomized density plaques were supplied to 22
laboratories. Four polyethylene samples of nominal densities
of 0.92 to 0.96 g/cm3 were molded in one laboratory. The data
were analyzed using Practice E 691, and the results are given
in Table 2.
12.2 Specimens Molded and Tested in Several Laboratories:
12.2.1 Samples Prepared Using Practice D 1928 in Each
Laboratory—Table 3 is based on a round robin9 conducted in
1994 in accordance with Practice E 691, involving seven
materials tested by 7 to 11 laboratories. For each material, all
of the samples were prepared by each laboratory, molded in
accordance with Practice D 1928 (Procedure C), and tested
using this test method. The data are for comparison with the
data of the same samples tested by Practice D 2839. Each test
result is an individual determination. Each laboratory obtained
six test results for each material.
12.2.2 Samples Prepared Using Practice D 2839 in Each
Laboratory—Table 4 is based on a round robin9 conducted in
1994 in accordance with Practice E 691, involving seven
materials tested by 10 to 15 laboratories. For each material, all
of the samples were prepared by each laboratory in accordance
with Practice D 2839. Each test result is an individual deter-
mination. Each laboratory obtained six test results for each
material.
NOTE 7—Caution: The following explanations of r and R (12.3-12.3.3)
are only intended to present a meaningful way of considering the
approximate precision of this test method. The data in Table 1 should not
be rigorously applied to acceptance or rejection of material, as those data
are specific to the round robin and may not be representative of other lots,
conditions, materials, or laboratories. Users of this test method should
apply the principles outlined in Practice E 691 to generate data specific to
their laboratory and materials, or between specific laboratories. The
principles of 12.3-12.3.3 would then be valid for each data.
12.3 Concept of r and R—If Sr and SR have been calculated
from a large enough body of data, and for test results that were
averages from testing one specimen:
12.3.1 Repeatability Limit, r (Comparing two test results
for the same material, obtained by the same operator using the
same equipment on the same day)—The two test results should
be judged not equivalent if they differ by more than the r value
for that material.
12.3.2 Reproducibility Limit, R (Comparing two test results
for the same material, obtained by different operators using
different equipment in different laboratories)—The two test
results should be judged not equivalent if they differ by more
than the R value for that material.
12.3.3 Any judgment in accordance with 12.2.1 or 12.2.2
would have an approximate 95 % (0.95) probability of being
correct.
9 Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:D20-
1123.
TABLE 2 Precision Data Summary—Polyethylene Density
Material Average Density, g/cm3 SrA SRB rC RD
1 0.9196 0.00029 0.00106 0.00082 0.0045
2 0.9319 0.00012 0.00080 0.00034 0.0023
3 0.9527 0.00033 0.00116 0.00093 0.0033
4 0.9623 0.00062 0.00114 0.00180 0.0033
ASr 5 within-laboratory standard deviation for the indicated material. It is obtained by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the test results from all of the
participating laboratories.
BSR 5 between-laboratories reproducibility, expressed as standard deviation, for the indicated material.
Cr 5 within-laboratory repeatability limit 5 2.8 Sr.
DR 5 between-laboratories reproducibility limit 5 2.8 SR.
D 1505
3
12.3.4 Bias—There are no recognized standards by which
to estimate the bias of this test method.
13. Keywords
13.1 density; film; gradient; plaque; polyolefins; polyeth-
ylene; polypropylene; preparation
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. FLOAT CALIBRATION—ALTERNATIVE TEST METHOD
X1.1 This test method of float calibration has been found
by one laboratory to save time and give the same accuracy as
the standard test method. Its reliability has not been demon-
strated by round-robin data.
X1.1.1 Prepare a homogeneous solution whose density is
fairly close to that of the float in question.
X1.1.2 Fill a graduate about 3⁄4 full with the solution, drop
in the float, stopper, and place in a thermostatted water bath
near 23°C. Fill a tared two-arm pycnometer (Test Method
D 941, or equivalent) with the solution. Place the pycnometer
in the bath.
X1.1.3 Vary the bath temperature until the solution density
is very near to that of the float. (If the float was initially on the
bottom of the graduate, lower the bath temperature until the
float rises; if the float floated initially, raise the bath tempera-
ture until the float sinks to the bottom.)
X1.1.4 Change the bath temperature in the appropriate
direction in increments corresponding to solution density
increments of about 0.0001 g/cm3 until the float reverses
direction of movement as a result of the last change. This must
be done slowly (at least 15-min intervals between incremental
changes on the temperature controller). Read the volume of
liquid in the pycnometer.
X1.1.5 Change the bath temperature in increments in the
opposite direction, as above, until a change in the float position
again occurs. Read the volume of liquid in the pycnometer.
NOTE X1.1—The float should rise off the bottom of its own volition. As
a precaution against surface tension effects when the float is floating, the
TABLE 3 Precision Data—Density, g/cm3
Material
Number
of
Laboratories
Density,
g/cm3 Sr
A SRB rC RD
B 7 0.9139 0.00029 0.00088 0.00081 0.00245
F 8 0.9177 0.00018 0.00079 0.00051 0.00221
G 8 0.9220 0.00028 0.00071 0.00078 0.00197
A 11 0.9356 0.00036 0.00105 0.00100 0.00294
E 11 0.9528 0.00046 0.00118 0.00129 0.00331
C 10 0.9619 0.00100 0.00100 0.00103 0.00281
D 9 0.9633 0.00036 0.00137 0.00101 0.00384
ASr 5 within-laboratory standard deviation for the indicated material. It is
obtained by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the test results
from all of the participating laboratories.
BSR 5 between-laboratories reproducibility, expressed as standard deviation,
for the indicated material.
Cr 5 within-laboratory repeatability limit 5 2.8 Sr.
DR 5 between-laboratories reproducibility limit 5 2.8 SR.
TABLE 4 Density, g/cm3, Samples Prepared in Accordance With
Practice D 2839
Material
Number
of
Laboratories
Density,
g/cm3 Sr
A SRB rC RD
B 10 0.9139 0.00026 0.00078 0.00072 0.00219
F 12 0.9179 0.00020 0.00078 0.00055 0.00220
G 13 0.9222 0.00030 0.00073 0.00085 0.00206
A 15 0.9357 0.00041 0.00080 0.00115 0.00225
E 14 0.9530 0.00039 0.00092 0.00109 0.00258
C 11 0.9615 0.00030 0.00073 0.00085 0.00206
D 10 0.9626 0.00053 0.00109 0.00148 0.00305
ASr 5 within-laboratory standard deviation for the indicated material. It is
obtained by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the test results
from all of the participating laboratories.
BSR 5 between-laboratories reproducibility, expressed as standard deviation,
for the indicated material.
Cr 5 within-laboratory repeatability limit 5 2.8 Sr.
DR 5 between-laboratories reproducibility limit 5 2.8 SR.
D 1505
4
float should be pushed about halfway down in the liquid column and then
observed as to whether it rises or falls. For this purpose, a length of
Nichrome wire, with a small loop on the lower end and an inch or so of
length extending above the liquid surface, is kept within the graduate
throughout t