BS EN ISO 1183-2:2019

What is ISO 1183-2 - Testing density of non-cellular plastics about?  

ISO 1183-2 is the second part of the ISO 1183 multi-series on methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics. ISO 1183-2 specifies a gradient column method for the determination of the density of non-cellular moulded or extruded plastics or pellets in void-free form.  

Density gradient columns are columns containing a mixture of two liquids, the density in the column increasing uniformly from top to bottom. 

Who is ISO 1183-2 - Testing density of non-cellular plastics for? 

ISO 1183-2 on testing the density of non-cellular plastics by the gradient column method is useful for: 

• The plastics and polymers industry 
• Manufacturers of plastic products 
• Testing laboratories / research and development teams 
• Product development / innovation teams 
• Quality control teams 

Why should you use ISO 1183-2 - Testing density of non-cellular plastics?  

Density is frequently used to follow variations in the physical structure or composition of plastic 

materials. Density can also be useful in assessing the uniformity of samples or specimens. Often, the density of plastic materials depends upon the choice of the specimen preparation method.  

ISO 1183-2 specifies the three different methods to determine the density of the non-cellular plastic. The three methods are as follows with their impacts on plastic: 

• Method A: Immersion method, for solid plastics (except for powders) in the void-free form: A test specimen is weighed in air and its mass is being recorded. It is then immersed in a liquid and its apparent mass upon immersion is recorded to check the purity and concentration of a sample and gives insight into its composition
• Method B: Liquid pycnometer method, for particles, powders, flakes, granules, or small pieces of finished parts: A standard vessel for measuring and comparing the densities of liquids or solids to check the purity and concentration of a sample and gives insight into its composition  
• Method C: Titration method, for plastics in any void-free form: Titrating a binary liquid of suitable composition, having the sample on the bottom, with the heavy liquid component until the sample is brought to a floating position to check the purity and concentration of a sample and gives insight into its composition

Determining the density of the non-cellular plastics using the test methods described in ISO 1183-2 ensures that the material is suitable for the intended application, which helps you provide customers with quality products. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN ISO 1183-2:2019 supersedes ISO 1183-1:2012. BS EN ISO 1183-2:2019 includes a technical change with respect to ISO 1183-1:2012 which is: 

• The buoyancy correction has been revised