Porosity measurement according to ISO 15901-1

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You would like to perform a porosity measurement according to ISO 15901-1

Accurately characterize the porous structure of your materials

A material's porosity directly impacts its performance: mechanical strength, permeability, service life, and durability.

Poor control of this property can lead to material defects: brittleness, infiltration, loss of functional efficiency, etc.

At the FILAB laboratory, we perform open porosity and pore distribution measurements using mercury intrusion, based on ISO 15901-1, to provide you with reliable and directly usable data.

Mercury intrusion porosity measurement according to ISO 15901-1

The mercury intrusion technique is a reference method for characterizing porosity analysis.

It allows for the measurement of open porosity and pore distribution by mercury intrusion, based on ISO 15901-1. With this method, non-wetting mercury is forced into the pores of the material under pressure. The higher the applied pressure, the smaller the analyzed pores.

Our technical means for measuring porosity

Mercury porosimetry

(Hg porosimetry)

BET Method

(gas adsorption, typically N₂ BJH model)

FILAB performs porosity measurements according to ISO 15901-1 to characterize and optimize your materials

Key indicators measured:

  • Open porosity: total volume of pores accessible from the outside.
  • Pore distribution: precise distribution of pore diameter (from macropores to mesopores).
  • Gross specific surface area: estimation of the internal surface area by intrusion.
  • Apparent and true density: crucial data for density calculation.

The results obtained

This analysis provides access to key data:

  • Open porosity rate
  • Pore size distribution
  • Total pore volume
  • Average pore diameter
  • Specific surface area (as interpreted)

Essential information for correlating structure and performance.

Materials concerned and industries

Our porosity analysis services are applicable to a wide range of materials used in industry:

case study

Case studies of analytical applications in porosimetry

Problem: variability in performance between batches of materials

Resolution: porosity analysis highlights differences in pore distribution related to manufacturing conditions, explaining the observed functional deviations.

Problem: fragility or excessive permeability of a material

Resolution: porosimetry identifies an overly open porous network or high connectivity responsible for the performance loss.

Our FAQ

What is mercury intrusion porosity measurement?

Mercury intrusion porosity measurement is a technique used to characterize the porous structure of a material.

It is based on measuring open porosity and pore distribution using mercury intrusion, in accordance with ISO 15901-1.
Mercury is injected under pressure into the pores, allowing their size and volume to be determined.

Why use the mercury intrusion method?

This method is particularly well-suited for:

  • obtaining an accurate pore size distribution
  • measuring open porosity
  • analyzing a wide range of pore sizes

It is a reference method for characterizing porous materials.

What types of porosity are measured?

The technique allows for the characterization of:

  • open porosity (accessible from the surface)
  • pore size distribution

Closed porosity is not measured by this method.

What does the ISO 15901-1 standard mean?

ISO 15901-1 governs the mercury intrusion analysis method.

It defines:

  • operating conditions
  • measurement protocols
  • interpretation rules

It guarantees reliable, reproducible, and comparable results.

What results are obtained?

A measurement of open porosity and pore size distribution using mercury intrusion, based on ISO 15901-1, provides:

  • the open porosity percentage
  • the pore size distribution
  • the total pore volume
  • the mean pore diameter

This data can be directly used in R&D, production, or quality control.

What materials can be analyzed?

This method is applicable to many industrial materials:

  • ceramics
  • sintered metals
  • porous polymers
  • construction materials
  • coatings and coatings
Is the measure destructive?

Yes, mercury intrusion analysis is a destructive method. The sample is subjected to high pressures and is generally not recoverable after analysis.

Can we compare several materials?

Yes, this method is ideal for:

  • comparing different formulations
  • evaluating the impact of a process
  • qualifying a new supplier

It provides reliable quantitative data to guide your choices.

What is the typical duration of the analysis?

Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.

However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.

How to get a quote from FILAB?

To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.

Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.

The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
Video debriefing available with the expert
Video debriefing available with the expert
Thomas GAUTIER Head of Materials Department
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