Overview
ISO 60:2023 defines a standardized procedure to determine the apparent density (mass per unit volume) of loose plastics materials that can be poured from a specified funnel. The method applies to powders and granular materials and produces reproducible bulk-density data used in quality control, formulation and processing decisions.
Key elements of the method include the specified funnel, a 100 ml measuring cylinder, a balance accurate to 0.1 g, and a straight-edged blade for leveling. The standard replaces ISO 60:1977 and introduces clarifications such as mandatory normative clauses, the requirement not to reuse test samples, and reporting rules (two significant digits, mean of two determinations).
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Measurement of apparent density for pourable plastics powders/granules; distinguishes from ISO 61 for non-pourable moulding materials.
- Apparatus:
- Balance, accurate to 0.1 g
- Measuring cylinder, smoothly finished, capacity (100 ± 0.5) ml, internal diameter (45 ± 5) mm
- Specified funnel with cover for the lower orifice and a straight-edge blade (minimum 60 mm)
- Procedure highlights:
- Place 110–120 ml of material in the funnel with the orifice covered
- Level the material with the blade and rapidly remove the cover so material flows into the cylinder
- If flow is impeded (e.g., electrostatic charge), the standard permits small additions such as carbon black, gamma alumina or ethanol and requires reporting any antistatic agent used
- Perform two determinations on the sample; test samples shall not be reused
- Expression of results:
- Apparent density d = m / V (grams per millilitre), where V = 100 ml
- Report the arithmetic mean of two determinations, expressed to two significant digits
- Test report must include: reference to ISO 60:2023, material identification, individual results and mean, any antistatic agent and amount, statistical descriptors (if required), observations and date of test
Applications
- Routine quality control and acceptance testing of plastic powders and granules
- Supporting formulation and batch-to-batch consistency checks
- Informing processing parameters such as feed rates, hopper design and bulk handling
- Material selection where bulk behaviour (flowability, packing) matters in manufacturing and logistics
Related Standards
- ISO 61 - Determination of apparent density of moulding material that cannot be poured from a specified funnel (referenced for non-pourable materials)
For implementation, laboratories should follow ISO 60:2023 apparatus and procedural requirements closely and include the mandatory reporting elements to ensure traceable, comparable apparent density results across suppliers and production lots.
Open preview (PDF)Plastics — Determination of apparent density of material that can be poured from a specified funnel
