ASTM D1505

Introducing ASTM D1505 - Industrial Physics
ASTM D1505 is a global ASTM international standard method to determine the density of solid plastics, using the ‘density gradient technique.’

Density is one of the most important physical properties of a material. Closely tied to material microstructure, this ASTM test will help you to understand the processing and end-use performance properties for materials like polyethylene.

The density of 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 as a means of identification.

With this ASTM method, based on the density gradient technique, you observe the level to which a test specimen sinks in a liquid column exhibiting a density gradient, in comparison with standards of known density.

ASTM D1505 is a highly sensitive method that can yield results accurate to better than 0.05 percent. On the down side, it’s a relatively expensive and painstaking process to follow.

You can test high density materials with the ASTM D1505 method, as long as you use suitably dense liquids.
The ASTM D1505 testing process
The density gradient technique uses a graduated glass column. This is charged with two solutions: one has a greater density than the material under test, the other has less density.

The liquids are slowly added and charged into the column in incremental amounts using a charging system. The liquid at the bottom of the column has the greater density. As you follow the ASTM D1505 method and fill the column, the density decreases, with the lighter density liquid at the top of the column.

Next up, glass spheres of differing density are added to the column with the specimens. This is done with a charging basket, slowly lowered through the column. At this stage of the ASTM test it’s important not to disturb the density gradient while distributing the glass spheres and specimens.

Now here’s the clever bit of the ASTM D1505 process! Next you use the glass spheres as reference points; by observing the location where the specimens are naturally buoyant you can determine the density by interpolation.

The ASTM D1505 test method is similar to ISO 1183 click here to find out about it.
ASTM D1505 testing equipment
So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ASTM D1505 testing?

Auto Density Measurement System
A highly optimized, highly accurate system for measuring the density of an object using the density gradient technique. Built for productivity and with the ASTM D1505 standard in mind, its great features include the digitally controlled temperature, a linear-encoder and optics-based sample location.

There’s even an optional digital, programmable column filling/mixing station available. So, determining the density of an object really does become effortless.

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Your global test and inspection partner for ASTM D1505