MaTestLab > ASTM Methods > ASTM D792, ISO 1183 Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics
Last updated 19th November 2025
ASTM D792, ISO 1183 Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics
ASTM D792 is a displacement test method for determining the density and specific gravity of plastic materials. This test method can be used to define a specimen’s density and specific gravity of solid plastics such as films, sheets, and molded or extruded goods. In this test method, the mass and volume of a specimen is measured and calculated with formulas to determine the density and specific gravity. The standard is used for investigating material quality assurance, material selection, and material resistance characterization. This test method is widely applied in the construction, automotive, and plastics industries. These industries require adherence to a uniformly reliable method of inspection of plastic materials, most notably one that facilitates the assembly and assessment of material characteristics. By providing accurate, consistent data, ASTM D792 and ISO 1183 enable manufacturers and researchers to compare materials, verify batch consistency, and evaluate polymer formulations for applications in the packaging, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction industries.
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ASTM D792 Introduction
ASTM D792 is used to investigate material quality assurance, material selection, and material resistance characterization. This test method is widely applied in the construction, automotive, and plastics industries. These industries require adherence to a uniformly reliable method of inspection of plastic materials, most notably one that facilitates the assembly and assessment of material characteristics.
This test method is used to determine the specific gravity and density of plastic. Specific gravity and density of a solid assist in material identification, monitoring of physical changes in a sample, showing the degree of uniformity among different sampling units, and calculating the average density for larger items. It is meant for quality control purposes or specifications. In practice, this means measuring a sample’s mass in air and then again while submerged in a liquid, most often water, drawing on principles established by Archimedes. The resulting data are crucial for material identification, quality assurance, and comparing different plastics. This method isn’t limited to one shape or form; it applies to solid plastics ranging from molded pieces to thin films. Maintaining precise temperature control and choosing an appropriate liquid medium are both vital for obtaining reliable results. In sum, ASTM D792 remains a key standard for evaluating the uniformity and processing qualities of plastic materials.
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ASTM D792 Testing
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The ASTM D792 test is commonly used on plastics in their solid phase and can be used to determine such quantities as tensile or flexural strength per unit mass and cost per unit mass. It is capable of detecting changes in density for any particular substance, which may be due to spatial differences in crystallinity as well as plasticizer leaching, solvent uptake, etc.
Get Certified ASTM D792 & ISO 1183 for Uncompromising Quality and Project Success
ASTM D792 and ISO 1183 certifications are used to prove that laboratories and manufacturers are technically competent in the measurement of density and specific gravity of plastics. It emphasises adherence to internationally accepted standards of testing and allows the standardized assessment of polymer products in all spheres. Ultimately, such certification enhances quality assurance and product validation as well as the creation of credibility in the local as well as global market.
ASTM D792 & ISO 1183 Testing Procedure and Requirements
Test procedure A
ASTM D792 method tests the solid plastics in water. The immersion vessel is mounted on the support, and the suspended specimen is immersed in water at a temperature of 23±2°C. It is ensured that the vessel does not touch the specimen or the sample holder. The bubbles are removed by rubbing them with a wire or by using a vacuum. The mass of the specimen is determined and compared with the weight of the sample holder immersed in water.
Test procedure B
The ASTM D792 procedure measures solid plastics in other liquids except water. The support is placed on the immersion vessel, and the suspended specimen is suspended in a different liquid to water. The immersed weighing temperature is 23 + 0.5°C. The bubbles are eliminated, and an amount of sample mass is measured.
Scope of ASTM D792 & ISO 1183
Displacement methods of determining the density and specific gravity of solid plastics.
Relevant to plastics in the form of molded plastics, films, sheets, and laminates.
Ensures uniformity and reproducibility of measurements of densities as a quality control measure.
Recommends appropriate immersion liquids and weighing equipment with different types of polymers.
It can be employed in both regular lab testing and comparative material testing.
ASTM D792 & ISO 1183 Equipment and Sample Preparation
Specimen Details
Specimens must be solid, such as sheets, rods, tubes, or molded items.
Specimen dimensions
The volume of the sample will be at least 1 cm³ 3 and the thickness should be at least 1 mm.
Specimen preparation
Specimen is prepared by injection molding or cutting out of molded or extruded sheets or plates.
Use of ASTM D792 & ISO 1183
Plastic product manufacturing and quality checking.
Assessment of the purity of the materials and contamination.
Evaluation of additive, filler, and reinforcement effects.
New polymer formulation research and development.
Buoyancy-critical performance appraisal.
Acceptance test on incoming plastic raw materials.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting in ASTM D792 & ISO 1183
The problems may involve air bubbles sticking to the specimen during immersion, uptake of moisture, which changes the mass of the specimen, or inaccurate temperature control that can influence the density of the liquid. Troubleshooting involves the degassing of the immersion liquid, maintaining constant temperatures, full wetting of the specimen, and regular calibration of weighing equipment. Hygroscopic plastics can also be used with non-absorbing liquids in order to get reliable results.
ASTM D792 & ISO 1183 Testing Technique, Process, and Data Collection
The method of the test is to weigh the specimen in air and in liquid and then calculate the density using principles of displacement. The measurements are digitally captured using high-precision balances, thus reducing human error. Data to be collected involves the mass of the specimen, the temperature of the liquid, the density of the liquid, and the specific gravity that was calculated. These are statistically assessed to ascertain material uniformity, batch uniformity, and adherence to the specification limits.
Analysis Results and Interpretation for ASTM D792 & ISO 1183
Findings are about the density and specific gravity of the plastic material, which is associated with mechanical strength, rigidity, and processing behaviour. The increase or decrease in values of density can be evidence of changes in the filler content, degradation, voids, or incorrect melt processing. Proper interpretation assists manufacturers in being able to control quality, optimal formulation, and material performance towards end-use applications. Stable results indicate homogeneous production processes and homogeneity of materials.
Problem & The Solution for ASTM D792 & ISO 1183
Problem: Variability in density results because of moisture absorption, improper temperature control, or wrong immersion technique.
Solution: It is necessary to keep a high standard of environmental conditions, apply temperature-controlled immersion liquids, properly condition the samples, and apply automated density measurement systems that meet ASTM D792 and ISO 1183. This guarantees reproducibility, accuracy, and quality assessment of plastics that is reliable.
Factors to Consider for ASTM D792 & ISO 1183
Speed The use of automated density measurement instruments saves time taken in testing, and high precision is ensured with no kind of inconsistency caused by the operator.
Expert Experienced technicians who are conversant with ASTM D792 and ISO 1183 are involved in the proper handling of the specimen, and weighing of the data, and interpretation of specific gravity.
Cost Scientifically lean testing can be efficient and low-cost, ensuring a constant adherence to standards at the lowest level of material waste and consumption of laboratory facilities.
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