Measuring Geometric Density without Mercury - Ultratap 500 series
Historically, geometric density was measured using liquid mercury pycnometry. However, using a uniform, small particle size powder, the same principles can be applied with powder pycnometry. As an illustration, powder pycnometry measurements for geometric density have been performed using the Anton Paar Ultratap on two samples and compared with results from mercury measurements.
Introduction
For decades, liquid mercury has been used to measure geometric density because its non-wetting nature prevents its entry into small voids. However, if there are problems with mercury amalgamation, safe handling, or disposal facilities, liquids such as hot wax, oil, kerosene, and water are used. In the latter case, the sample is usually coated with a polymer spray to seal openings and an appropriate correction is made in each measurement.
As an alternative to mercury and to the other liquids mentioned, powder pycnometry can be performed. This technique consists of filling the space between particles with a sufficiently uniform, small powder and measuring tap density. This procedure is readily performed on the Anton Paar Ultratap 500 series.
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