True density

True density vs skeletal density: Exploring the difference

What is true density? 

True density, also known as absolute density, refers to the density of a material excluding all pores, voids, and cracks. It is the intrinsic density of the solid material itself. 

True density is the mass divided by the true volume.

What is skeletal density?

Skeletal density includes the density of the material as well as any inaccessible pores or closed pores. 

It is defined as the mass divided by the skeletal volume.

How to calculate true density and skeletal density

True density is calculated as:

True density (ρt) = Mass / True volume

Key Differences

True volume excludes the volume of all pores (open and closed) and measures only the solid material.

Skeletal density is calculated as:

Skeletal density (ρs) = Mass / Skeletal volume

Key Differences

Skeletal volume excludes the volume of open, accessible pores, but includes the volume of closed pores.

Measurement techniques

Skeletal density is often determined by measuring skeletal volume using gas pycnometry. The true volume can be measured and true density determined as long as there are no closed pores in the material.

Gas pycnometry

Micromeritics AccuPyc

Micromeritics AccuPyc

The fastest, easiest, most accurate measurement of true density

The Micromeritics AccuPyc utilizes gas pycnometry, a non-destructive technique that accurately measures volume through gas displacement, making it ideal for determining skeletal and, when appropriate, true (absolute) volume and density. It is only appropriate for true density when there are no closed pores. Inert gases such as helium, nitrogen, or air are commonly used as the displacement medium as not to interact with the sample.

During measurement, the sample is placed in a sealed chamber of known volume and pressurized. The gas fills the empty spaces within and between the sample particles before expanding into an adjacent reference chamber of known volume. The resulting pressure change allows for precise volume calculation. Skeletal density is then determined by dividing the sample's mass by its measured volume. This method is particularly effective for characterizing materials with small pores and irregular shapes.

Advantages

  • High accuracy and repeatability
  • Rapid analysis time
  • Versatile sample compatibility
  • Non-destructive testing

Applications of skeletal and true density across industries

Pharmaceuticals
  • Skeletal and true density are critical parameters in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing as they influence drug formulation, processing, and performance
  • Monitor and control API and excipient composition
  • Detect differences in polymorphic, hydrated, and amorphous forms
Metal powders
  • Skeletal and true density impact processing, performance, and final powder quality
  • Track the purity of raw materials
  • Detect the presence of occluded porosity
Battery materials
  • Skeletal and true density directly affect performance, efficiency, and manufacturing process
  • Combining skeletal and envelope density can provide porosity insights
  • Indicator of purity and composition of electrode materials
Polymers and composites
  • Skeletal and true density influence mechanical properties, processing, and performance
  • Determine the ratio of open and closed cell foams
  • Differentiate relative amounts of crystalline and amorphous phases

Why choose Malvern Panalytical for true density measurement?

Micromeritics AccuPyc

Micromeritics AccuPyc

The fastest, easiest, most accurate measurement of true density

As a unified company, Micromeritics and Malvern Panalytical blend advanced technologies with analytical expertise. The Micromeritics AccuPyc gas pycnometer is globally recognized for delivering the most reliable determination of skeletal density. It is the preferred choice in more labs than any other commercial gas pycnometer.

Offering unmatched accuracy and repeatability, the AccuPyc provides a fast, user-friendly system that ensures consistent results.