Density test:

ASTM D792 - Standard Test Method for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of
Plastics by Displacement
Scope:
This test method covers the determination of the density of solid plastics.
Apparatus:
1. Density gradient column or pycnometer
2. Balance capable of weighing the sample with an accuracy of 0.01 g or better.
3. Suitable medium for suspension (usually water)
Procedure:
1. Sample Preparation:
 Cut or prepare a sample of the rubber material to be tested. Ensure that the sample is
representative of the material and free from any surface irregularities or
contaminants.
 Weigh the sample using the balance. Record the mass as ms.
2. Density Gradient Column Setup:
 Prepare the density gradient column or pycnometer according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
 Fill the density gradient column or pycnometer with the suitable medium for
suspension (usually water) up to the specified level.
3. Testing:
 Suspend the weighed sample in the suitable medium within the density gradient
column or pycnometer. Ensure that the sample is completely immersed and free from
air bubbles.
 Allow the sample to settle and ensure it reaches equilibrium within the suspension.
4. Density Calculation:
 After the sample has settled, record the level at which the sample is suspended in the
density gradient column or pycnometer. Record this as ℎh.
 Using the known density of the medium (ρm), calculate the density of the sample (ρs)
using the formula:
ρs =ρm× ms / (ms - V × (ρs / ρm))
Where:
 V is the volume of the sample displaced, calculated as πr2h, where r is the radius of
the sample.
 ρs is the density of the sample.
 ρm is the density of the medium.
  ms is the mass of the sample.
 ℎ is the level at which the sample is suspended.
5. Reporting:
 Report the density of the sample in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or
kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), as appropriate.