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
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/cm3.

Report

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 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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