Overview
EN ISO 8130-16:2023 (ISO 8130-16:2022) defines a laboratory method for determining the density of coating powders by liquid displacement in a measuring cylinder. The procedure measures the mass and the volume of a test portion to calculate density (g/cm³). The method is applicable to all types of coating powders when a suitable displacement liquid that does not swell or dissolve the powder is used. This European adoption by CEN provides a harmonized, repeatable test for quality control, formulation development and supplier verification.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Density determination for coating powders using liquid displacement in a measuring cylinder.
- Displacement liquid: A suitable aliphatic hydrocarbon (or blend) free from aromatics, boiling point 80 °C–140 °C; must not swell or react with the powder.
- Apparatus:
- 25 ml graduated measuring cylinder compliant with ISO 4788
- Glass funnel and pipette
- Analytical balance (100 g capacity) with ≤1 mg readability
- Sampling and conditioning: Representative sampling per ISO 15528; condition apparatus, liquid and sample to test temperature.
- Procedure:
- Fill cylinder to 20 ml with displacement liquid and record mass (m1).
- Add powder so liquid level rises to 25 ml, remove funnel and record mass (m2).
- Perform duplicate determinations at (23.0 ± 1.0) °C (relative humidity recommended where applicable).
- Calculation and reporting:
- Density ρ (g/cm³) = (m2 − m1) / 5 cm³ (report mean of two valid determinations to 0.01 g/cm³).
- Repeat if determinations differ by > 0.05 g/cm³.
- Test report must include product ID, reference to ISO 8130-16:2022/EN ISO 8130-16:2023, apparatus and displacement liquid used, results, deviations and anomalies, and test date.
Applications and users
This standard is practical for:
- Quality control laboratories in paint and powder-coat manufacturing
- R&D and formulation teams evaluating powder packing and flow characteristics
- Procurement and supplier qualification to verify supplied powder density
- Regulatory or specification compliance testing
Keywords: coating powders, density determination, liquid displacement, measuring cylinder, EN ISO 8130-16:2023, displacement liquid.
Related standards
- ISO 8130-3 - Coating powders: density by liquid displacement pycnometer (comparable method)
- ISO 8130-14 - Vocabulary for coating powders
- ISO 4788 - Laboratory glassware - Graduated measuring cylinders
- ISO 15528 - Sampling for paints, varnishes and raw materials
EN ISO 8130-16:2023 provides a simple, reproducible density test that supports consistent product specifications and reliable quality assurance across the powder coatings industry.