To Determine The Density Of HDPE, UPVC, PPVC, LDPE, PPRC And PET

Specimens By Displacement Method.

Abstract
In this experiment we determine the density of polymers by displacement method. We measured
the weight of each specimen in air and weight in water and then calculated the density of all the
given specimens. We took HDPE, UPVC, PPVC, LDPE, PPRC and PET specimens under
observation. For polymers that has density of less than unity then we can use a solvent that has
density of less than one and for those having greater then one density we will use water.

Introduction:
The density of a polymer can be calculated by dividing its mass to its volume. It can be defined
as mass per unit volume or can be expressed in gram per centimeter cube or pound per cubic foot
depending upon the unit of mass and volume we took.
Specific gravity is the ratio of weight of given volume of a material to that of equal volume of
water at the stated temperature. The temperature which is selected as a standard for calculating
the Sp.gr is ‘23°’

Specific gravity shows the main advantage of plastic which is its light weight. The sale of
plastics is shown on the cost of per unit pound not on the cost of per unit volume basis. This
quality shows the significance of specific gravity.
There are two types of methods by which we can calculate the specific gravity. These methods
depend upon the form of plastics. Method A is used for sheets, rods, tubes or molded articles. In
this method we need a precise mass balance. First of all we have to weigh the material in air than
in the solvent which is basically depend upon the nature of the plastic used.
Method B for molding powder, flakes or pellets.

Specimens:
Molded articles of HDPE, UPVC, PPVC, LDPE, PPRC and PET.
ASTM:
ASTM D792-13-Standard Test methods for Density and Specific gravity of Plastic by
Displacement method.
Experiment procedure:

1. Gather the specimens that are HDPE, UPVC, PPVC, LDPE, PPRC and PET.
2. Connect the power supply and Switch on the density meter.
3. Press the REF button so the apparatus will enter into DENSITY MODE
4. Measure the weight of specimen in air
5. Measure the weight of specimen in water
6. Use water for PET PPVC, UPVC and toluene for HDPE, LDPE, PPRC.
7. The specific gravity is calculated as follows
𝑎
8. . Specific gravity 23/23Co = (𝑎+𝑤−𝑏)

Here, a = mass of specimen in air

b = apparent mass of specimen in liquid
w =apparent mass of totally immersed sinker and of partially immersed wire
9. Density of sample is measured by multiplying the Sp.gr with density of liquid used.
10. Tabulate the results
11. Switch off the apparatus after experimentation.
QUESTIONNARE
Tabulate the density of the six specimens and compare the values with those given
in literature.

Weight in Weight in Density From

Specimens Solvent Used air Solvent Density Literature
(g) (g) (g/cm3) (g/cm3)
PVC Water 2.4545 0.9324 1.606 1.3-1.45
LDPE Toluene 0.502 0.0213 0.9 0.91-0.94
PPRC Toluene 1.0074 0.47 0.904 0.9-0.93
HDPE Toluene 0.0893 0.0084 0.95 0.91-0.95
PET Water 0.0453 0.0123 1.367 1.0-1.45
UPVC Water 2.1166 0.6487 1.437 1.4-1.8

Explain other methods used for the measurement of density of polymers and metals.
 Archimedean Principle
The relationships between the mass, the volume and the density of solid bodies
immersed in liquid as described by Archimedes form a basis for the determination of the
density of substances. The difficulty in this method of density determination lies in the
precise determination of the volume of the sample. When a body is completely
 immersed in liquid, the mode of procedure demands that the volume of the body is
equal to the volume of the displaced liquid.
Buoyancy Method
The buoyancy method is often used to determine the density of bodies and liquids. The
apparent weight of a body in a liquid, i.e., the weight as reduced by the buoyancy force
is measured. This value is used in combination with the weight in air to calculate the
density
 Displacement Method
The displacement method is another way that the Archimedean Principle is used in
determining the density of bodies and liquids. The procedure for the displacement
method entails determining the mass of the liquid displaced by the body. A container of
liquid is placed directly on the weighing pan while the body is immersed. In most cases,
the body is suspended from a hanger assembly. When the body is immersed in the
liquid, it displaces a volume of liquid with density and mass.
 Pycnometers
The pycnometer method is a very precise procedure for determining the density of
powders, granules and dispersions that have poor follow ability characteristics. The
pycnometer method is more labor-intensive and far more time-consuming than the
buoyancy and displacement methods. This method also entails the difficulty of precise
volume determination of a powder sample for density determination of the solid. The
need for explicit determination of the volume of powders or granules can generally be
avoided by performing 3 weighing operations and using an „auxiliary“ liquid with a
known density.

How density variation in a molded article can affect their performance,

explain.
Density of molded article can affect its performance depending upon its applications.
For example, the density of polymer made boat varies regularly then it can sink at higher
density. Such type of materials has some other type of applications.

Conclusion
Density of polymers is low which make them unique for various applications.
Lowest density measured was that of LDPE. Here we used the displacement method
where we measured the density of each polymer by comparing it with that of mass
in water and air. After knowing the density it becomes easier to define the
applicability of material in suitable field.