The procedure is: A sample is precisely weighted (precision 10-6 g) then introduced in the pycnometer. Inside the pycnometer, the volume of the sample is determined using helium at a pressure of 17 psi: 10 volume measurements are performed; the reported value is the average value based on the three closest measurements;
The density is calculated as the weight (in g) divided by the volume (in cm3);
Practically, when powder of fibers are considered, to avoid fouling of the pycnometer, a two-step procedure is considered:
- Determination of the weight and the volume of 4 small capsules (with perforated lid) normally used for DSC (Differential Scanning calorimetry) analysis;
- Determination of the weight and the volume of the 4 small capsules (+perforated lid) after filling the capsule with fibres;
From obtained results, the weight and the volume of the fibres are calculated and used to determine the density.