Your needs: measure the density of your products and/or materials using helium pycnometry
Pycnometer laboratory test
Laboratory pycnometer testing is a method for measuring the true density of a material with exceptional accuracy. Using a pycnometer, including helium, the analysis excludes open voids or inaccessible pores, ensuring reliable results for both solids and liquids. This test is particularly suited to industrial sectors where density plays a key role in product performance and conformity.
Pycnometer density analysis for nanomaterials
Pycnometer density analysis provides an accurate measurement of the density of nanomaterials, excluding open porosities by using a gas capable of penetrating the finest pores. This technique guarantees reliable characterisation of nanoparticles and nanostructures. It provides essential data for assessing the composition, internal structure and quality of materials on a nanometric scale. This information is essential for understanding the behaviour of nanomaterials, optimising their specific properties (such as conductivity, reactive surface or stability) and ensuring their suitability for your industrial requirements.
Why carry out helium pycnometry analysis?
Helium pycnometry meets the stringent requirements of quality control and performance optimisation, particularly when analysing materials such as metal powders, nanomaterials or polymers.
Thanks to this technique, it is possible to adjust production processes to improve the mechanical, thermal or chemical performance of products. Reliable characterisation also limits the risks associated with variations in density, avoiding quality defects.
Density is an essential parameter that has a direct impact on the functionality of nanomaterials. In aeronautics, for example, a well-controlled density ensures the mechanical strength of parts, while in electronics, it influences the conductivity and miniaturisation of components.
By choosing to work with a specialist laboratory like FILAB, you benefit from rapid analysis tailored to your specific needs, in compliance with the standards in force.
FILAB laboratory provides fast and reliable Helium Pycnometric density measurements
Our analysis services
FILAB laboratory can assist you in overcoming your challenges relating to substance density by providing the following services:
- Helium Pycnometry density measurements
- Mercury Porosimetry porosity measurements
- BET surface analysis
- SEM-FEG-EDX purity analysis
- Metal powder characterization : chemical composition, flowability, PSD…
Our technical resources: pycnometer
In addition to helium pycnometry, other techniques such as mercury porosimetry and BET analysis are commonly used to assess the density and porosity of nanomaterials. These complementary methods enable in-depth characterisation, including specific surface area and pore distribution.
What is helium pycnometry?
A pycnometer is a laboratory tool used to measure the density of solid materials (powders, metals, plastics, etc.) or viscous materials (mastic, paint, adhesive, lubricant, etc.).
Gas pycnometry is considered to be one of the most reliable methods for obtaining the density of a product. The gas used in pycnometric analysis is generally helium, because of its small atomic diameter, which allows it to penetrate very small cavities.
Helium pycnometry is usually combined with bulk or apparent density data from other techniques, such as Mercury porosimetry, to provide information on the porosity or permeability of the material.
Our accreditations and standards
The FILAB laboratory is accredited ISO 17025 by COFRAC for :
- the measurement of specific surface by the BET method (in accordance with ISO 9277) and particle size analysis by laser (in accordance with ISO 13320 in liquid and dry form),
- density measurement by Helium pycnometry (in accordance with ASTM B923 and ISO 12154),
- determination of grain size (in accordance with ASTM E112 and NF EN ISO 643) for solid particles.
Measuring the density of your materials
Raw material density is a key indicator in the manufacturing process, impacting both industrial processes and the properties of final products. By measuring the actual density of materials, it is possible to detect anomalies such as inclusions, variations in porosity or impurities.
Measure the density of your products
Measuring the density of your products is one step in guaranteeing their quality, performance and compliance with industrial standards. This physical characteristic has a direct influence on the mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of finished products.
Pycnometer test for solids and liquids
For solids, pycnometer testing provides results to validate the quality of raw materials, check batch consistency and optimise the mechanical or thermal performance of materials such as ceramics, metal powders and composites.
For liquids and nanometric dispersions, this technique helps to stabilise formulations, homogenise products and ensure their conformity, particularly in the cosmetics and fine chemicals sectors.
The problems faced by manufacturers with regard to the density of nanomaterials
Pharmaceuticals: control of formulations
In the pharmaceutical industry, nanomaterials are often used to improve the bioavailability of active ingredients or to create controlled-release systems. Poorly controlled density can disrupt formulations, leading to variations in administered doses or inadequate drug release. This means that nanoparticles need to be finely characterised to guarantee the quality and efficacy of therapeutic products.
Cosmetics: optimising textures and performance
In cosmetics, nanomaterials are used in advanced formulations to improve texture, skin penetration and the effectiveness of active ingredients. Incorrectly measured density can affect the stability of emulsions or the homogeneity of finished products, impacting both consumer perception and actual efficacy.
Electronics: precision in micro-components
In electronics, nanomaterials are used to develop microcomponents or specific coatings. Incorrect density can lead to structural defects, compromise conductivity or alter the thermal performance of components. These problems can lead to breakdowns or shorten the life of electronic products.
Building materials: reducing structural defects
In advanced construction materials, such as nanomaterial-reinforced cements or composites, poorly assessed density can lead to cracks, excessive porosity or adhesion defects. These problems impact not only the mechanical strength but also the durability of structures.
Chemistry: conformity and reproducibility
In the chemical industry, nanomaterials are widely used as catalysts or active agents. Poorly controlled density can alter the efficiency of chemical reactions, compromising the reproducibility of processes and the quality of end products.
FAQ
It enables true density to be measured by excluding nanoscale pores, guaranteeing consistent performance in advanced applications.
It detects structural variations or inclusions that can affect mechanical properties, which are essential in sectors such as the automotive and medical industries.
Pycnometry excludes air bubbles and ensures accurate measurement, which is essential for guaranteeing the stability and reproducibility of formulations.
The density of metal powders influences their fusion and the properties of the parts produced, particularly in metallurgy and 3D printing.
