APPARENT DENSITY

Introduction
The apparent density of paper is the ratio of the mass of a paper
sample to the volume occupied by that sample, each being determined
under prescribed conditions. Apparent specific gravity or apparent density
is commonly calculated by dividing the basis weight of the paper by the
caliper, but this value varies with the ream size used, a major
inconvenience, to say the least. It is much better to express this property in
units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3). It should be remembered that
the weighing is done on an area of paper containing fiber, moisture, air
space, ash content, and occasionally volatile materials. This accounts for
the use of the terms "apparent density" and "apparent specific gravity".

Significance
Apparent density is probably the most important property of paper,
because it influences almost all mechanical, optical, physical, and electrical
properties of paper as well as quality of printing, absorption, flexibility, and
the like. Apparent density also has economic significance in those cases
where paper or paperboard is purchased on a weight basis and consumed
on an area basis. Dense papers are characterized by being relatively hard
and nonporous. They are made from highly beaten pulp, or are highly
surface-sized papers. They are compact and their fibers are strongly bonded
so that the sheet as a whole tends to contract or expand with moisture
changes. In soft, bulky, porous papers individual fibers can swell or shrink
without much overall dimensional change in the sheet. So we see that the
dimensional instability or hygroexpansivity of paper is closely related to the
apparent density.

Method of Test

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 The apparent density is determined by measuring the basis weight, W,
and the single-sheet caliper, t, of the paper and by taking the ratio W/t.
The apparent density should be expressed in units of g/cm 3.

Report
Report the mean apparent density in g/cm 3 as obtained from the
average values of basis weight and caliper. Also report a 95 % confidence
interval for the apparent density as calculated from the 95 % confidence
intervals of basis weight and of caliper.

Reference
TAPPI T 411

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