The standard "ASTM D1895-17 Standard test methods for apparent density, volume factor, and pourability of plastic materials" developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) describes test methods for measuring the apparent density, volume factor, and, where applicable, pourability of plastic materials such as molding powders. This standard defines different procedures for application to the various forms of these materials commonly encountered, from fine powders and granules to large flakes and chopped strands.
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:
The test methods described in this standard provide useful indices of the performance of plastic materials such as powders and granules in packaging and handling in production. Apparent density is a measure of the bulkiness of a material. Bulk factor is a measure of the volume change that can be expected in production. Pourability characterizes the handling properties of a finely divided plastic material. It is a measure of the readiness of such materials to flow through hoppers and feed pipes and to deliver material in uniform weights.
The apparent density test method (test method A) covers the measurement of the apparent density of fine granules and powders which can be poured easily from a small funnel. With the apparatus assembled as shown in the figure given in the standard, the small end of the funnel is closed by hand or with a suitable flat strip and a sample of 115 plus/minus 5 cm3 is poured into the funnel. The bottom of the funnel is quickly opened and the material is allowed to flow freely into the beaker. If caking occurs in the funnel, a small glass rod is used to loosen the material. After all the material has passed through the funnel, the excess is immediately scraped off with a ruler without shaking the beaker. The material is weighed in the beaker to the nearest 0,1 g. The weight of 1 cm3 of the material is calculated in grams. Very fine materials which will form bridges and will not flow from the funnel may be poured gently from a sheet of paper held approximately 38 mm above the mouth of the measuring beaker.
Test method B covers the measurement of the apparent density of coarse materials, including dice and pellets, which cannot be poured or which are difficult to pour from the funnel described in Test Method A. After assembling the apparatus as shown in the figure given in the Standard, the small end of the funnel is closed by hand or with a suitable flat strip and a 500 plus/minus 20 cm3 sample is poured into the funnel. The bottom of the funnel is quickly opened and the material is allowed to flow freely into the beaker. After all the material has passed through the funnel, the excess is immediately scraped off with a ruler without shaking the beaker. The material in the beaker is weighed to the nearest 0,1 g and the weight of 1 cm3 of material is then calculated in grams. Three determinations of the apparent density of each sample are made and the result is averaged.
Test method C covers the measurement of the apparent density of materials supplied in the form of coarse flakes, shavings, cut fibres or wires. Such materials cannot be poured from the hoppers described in Test methods A and B. Furthermore, since they are usually very bulky when poured loosely and can often be compressed to a lesser volume, even by hand, it is convenient and useful to measure their density under a small load.
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