Analysis of the density of solids

Density analysis , also known as solids density, determines the ratio between a material's mass and its volume, expressed in g/cm³ or kg/m³. This parameter is essential for characterizing a material's internal structure, compactness, or porosity, and is a key factor in formulation studies, mechanical performance analysis, and compliance with industrial standards.

The density of a solid directly influences its physical and functional properties, including mechanical strength, buoyancy, dimensional stability, and thermal conductivity. It is therefore used as a quality and control indicator in many industrial sectors.

Analysis techniques used

The density of solids can be measured using several methods, adapted to the nature of the material, its porosity and the level of precision required:

• Liquid displacement pycnometry: a classic and accurate method consisting of measuring the volume of a sample by immersion in a reference liquid.
• Hydrostatic weighing (Archimedes' principle): used for non-porous materials, this technique is based on the difference in mass between weighing in air and weighing in a liquid.
• Helium pycnometry: an advanced method for porous materials or materials with complex microstructures, allowing the actual density to be obtained (excluding open porosity).

These techniques can be carried out under controlled temperature conditions to ensure the reproducibility and accuracy of the measurements.

Industrial applications

Solid density analysis is used at various stages of a product's life cycle, from design to quality control. Its main applications include:

• Materials and polymers: evaluation of compactness, identification of structural defects, control of formulation of plastics, composites or elastomers.
• Packaging: verification of the conformity of rigid and semi-rigid materials, study of resistance and mechanical behavior.
• Human food and animal nutrition: measurement of the apparent density of compressed foods, powders, granules or briquettes to assess manufacturing quality.
• Construction materials and geomaterials: controlling the density of cements, ceramics or mineral materials to guarantee their mechanical performance.

Typology of the samples analyzed

Commonly studied types of solids include:

• Plastics and elastomers,
• Composite materials,
• Light metals and alloys,
• Nutritional tablets and granules,
• Compact agri-food products,
• Natural materials, briquettes and technical powders.

Analytical interest and complementarity

Solid density analysis is often combined with other tests for a complete characterization of materials, such as:

• Analysis of material porosity,
• Shore or Rockwell hardness measurement,
• Analysis of compressive strength,
• Thermal study by DSC or TGA.

These additional analyses make it possible to obtain a complete profile of the material, integrating its density, resistance, stability and internal structure.

YesWeLab Expertise

At YesWeLab, we offer density and specific gravity analysis of solids through our network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited partner laboratories. Our experts select the most suitable method for your matrix (pycnometry, hydrostatic weighing, or helium pycnometry) to guarantee accurate results that comply with current standards.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, the management of your analyses is centralized: quote request, progress tracking, report receipt and personalized scientific support.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the packaging, materials, nutrition and agri-food sectors in the physico-chemical characterization of their products.