ASTM D1505 Test

Density - Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by Gradient Technique or ASTM D1505 test method covers the determination of density of solid plastics.

The ASTM D1505 method is based on observing the level of penetration of a test sample in a column of liquid that exhibits a density gradient compared to known density standards.

ASTM D1505 uses a graduated glass column loaded with two solutions, one greater than the density of the material to be tested and one less. Liquids are filled into the column by gradually adding varying amounts of each using a special charging system. The density of the liquid at the bottom of the column is greater, and as the column is filled, the density decreases until the top of the column contains only the lighter density liquid. 

The density gradient will be uniform along the length of the column. Standard glass spheres of known but varying density are introduced into the column along with the samples using a loading basket. This basket is slowly lowered down the column without disturbing the density gradient that disperses the glass spheres and samples according to their relative density. Using glass spheres as reference points, the density at locations where the samples are neutrally floating is calculated by interpolation. ASTM D 1505 is probably the most sensitive, but also the most painstaking. Values ​​up to five decimal places are obtained. This method can be extended to high density materials if suitable dense liquids can be selected.

EUROLAB, together with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, helps you get precise and fast results within the scope of ASTM D1505 test.