Overview
EN ISO 18753:2017 - "Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) - Determination of absolute density of ceramic powders by pycnometer" defines a standardized liquid pycnometry method to measure the absolute particle density of fine ceramic powders or small sintered parts. Published by CEN as an adoption of ISO 18753:2017, the standard is intended for laboratories and manufacturers performing material characterization and quality control of advanced ceramics.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Measurement of absolute particle density of powders or small parts using a liquid-filled pycnometer (pyknometer).
- Sampling & sample size: Representative sampling in accordance with ISO 8213; particle/part size must be smaller than the pycnometer neck.
- Drying: Samples are dried (typical air-bath guidance ~110 °C) or dried under reduced pressure if thermally sensitive; mass loss may be recorded to confirm equilibrium.
- Immersion liquids: Non-reactive, non-dissolving liquids with good wetting and low evaporation. Permitted examples: distilled water, xylene (ISO 6353-3), ethanol (~95 %, ISO 6353-2), 1‑butanol (ISO 6353-3). Density of the liquid at test temperature must be determined (ISO 758); Annex A provides reference values for distilled water.
- Apparatus & instruments:
- Glass Gay‑Lussac type pycnometer (25 ml or 50 ml) per ISO 3507 (or suitable alternative).
- Vacuum container and vacuum pump (capable of ~666.5 Pa / 5 mmHg or better) or ultrasonic bath for degassing.
- Balance with 0.1 mg sensitivity, thermometer to ±0.1 °C, vacuum gauge (0–26.66 kPa).
- Procedure: Weigh empty pycnometer, sample in pycnometer, add immersion liquid, degas (evacuation to ≤13.33 kPa / 100 mmHg or ultrasonic degassing) until no bubbles; allow thermal equilibrium, top up liquid, weigh, remove sample and re‑measure. Calculate absolute density using recorded masses and immersion liquid density.
- Accuracy & reporting: Liquid density often required to 0.0001 g/cm3; tests should be run in duplicate and documented in a test report.
Applications
- Quality control and batch acceptance for advanced ceramics and technical ceramic powders.
- Materials R&D and formulation (sintering behavior, porosity control, density-related property prediction).
- Supplier qualification, failure analysis and specification compliance for ceramics used in electronics, aerospace, medical, and industrial components.
Who would use this standard
- Materials scientists and ceramic engineers
- Quality control and metrology laboratories (including ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs)
- R&D teams in ceramics manufacturing, powder suppliers, and component producers
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 18753:2017, absolute density, ceramic powders, pycnometer, liquid pycnometry, fine ceramics, helium pycnometer, advanced ceramics, material characterization.
