Overview
ISO 8130-16:2022 specifies a standard laboratory method for determining the density of coating powders by liquid displacement in a measuring cylinder. The method measures the mass and the volume displaced by a known portion of powder using a non‑reactive displacement liquid. It is applicable to all types of coating powders when the chosen liquid wets but does not swell or dissolve the powder.
Key topics and requirements
- Principle: Density is calculated from the mass increase when powder displaces a known liquid volume in a measuring cylinder.
- Displacement liquid: A suitable aliphatic hydrocarbon (free from aromatic compounds) with boiling point 80–140 °C; must not interact with the powder.
- Apparatus:
- 25 ml graduated measuring cylinder (ISO 4788)
- Glass funnel, pipette
- Balance: 100 g capacity, readability 1 mg or better
- Test conditions:
- Perform duplicate determinations at (23.0 ± 1.0) °C (relative humidity (50 ± 5)% where applicable)
- Condition apparatus, liquid and sample to test temperature
- Procedure (summary):
- Fill cylinder to 20 ml with displacement liquid and weigh (m1)
- Add powder so liquid level reaches 25 ml and weigh (m2)
- Calculate density ρ (g/cm3) using ρ = (m2 − m1) / 5 (volume displaced = 5 cm3)
- If the two determinations differ by more than 0.05 g/cm3, repeat
- Report mean to nearest 0.01 g/cm3
- Reporting: Include product identification, reference to ISO 8130-16:2022, cylinder type, displacement liquid, individual values and mean, deviations, anomalies and test date.
- Precision: No inter‑laboratory precision data are provided in the standard.
Applications and users
This standard is practical for:
- Quality control laboratories in powder coating and paint manufacturing
- R&D teams evaluating powder formulations and bulk properties
- Third‑party test laboratories and certification bodies
- Procurement/specification teams requiring comparable density data for process control, dosing, and cost calculations
Density data from ISO 8130-16 supports process parameters (spray gun settings, material handling), comparisons between batches, and formulation adjustments.
Related standards
- ISO 4788 - Laboratory glassware: graduated measuring cylinders (referenced for cylinder requirements)
- ISO 8130-3 - Density by liquid displacement pycnometer (alternative method for comparison)
- ISO 8130-14 - Vocabulary for coating powders
- ISO 15528 - Sampling of paints, varnishes and raw materials
Keywords: ISO 8130-16:2022, coating powders density, liquid displacement in measuring cylinder, displacement liquid, aliphatic hydrocarbon, powder coating test method, density determination.
Open preview (PDF)Coating powders — Part 16: Determination of density by liquid displacement in a measuring cylinder