ASTM D5355-95(2021)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Oils and Liquid Fats
Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Oils and Liquid Fats
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is used to measure the specific gravity of all oils and liquid fats that are used to soften leather, or that are used in products to soften leather. The specific gravity is one parameter that can be used to monitor the quality of these products.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity of oils and liquid fats by calculating the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of the sample to the weight of a unit volume of water at 25 °C.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2021
- Technical Committee
- D31 - Leather
- Drafting Committee
- D31.08 - Fats and Oils
Overview
ASTM D5355-95(2021): Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Oils and Liquid Fats defines a reliable procedure for determining the specific gravity of oils and liquid fats. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is vital for industries that use these substances to soften leather or in related products. By measuring the ratio of the weight of a specified volume of oil or fat compared to the same volume of water at 25°C, users can monitor and assure the quality of these materials.
This test method is recognized internationally, supporting compliance with broadly accepted technical standards. It assists manufacturers, laboratories, and regulatory authorities in maintaining consistent product quality and confirming that materials meet industry and regulatory specifications.
Key Topics
- Specific gravity determination: The standard outlines procedures for calculating specific gravity at both 25/25°C and 60/25°C, ensuring robust measurement across various material conditions.
- Applicability to oils and liquid fats: Suitable for all oils (fluid at 25°C) and liquid fats (melt below 58°C) used in leather softening.
- Testing protocol:
- Use of specific gravity bottles, laboratory water baths (maintained at precise temperatures), and laboratory thermometers.
- Proper sample preparation, including melting, filtering, and moisture removal.
- Stepwise process for accurate measurement and calculation.
- Quality assurance: Specific gravity is a core parameter in quality control, helping identify inconsistencies or adulteration in raw materials or finished products.
- Safety and compliance: Emphasizes the responsibility of users to follow safety, health, and environmental practices, and to comply with applicable regulations.
Applications
ASTM D5355-95(2021) is widely used in industries that rely on precise specification of oils and liquid fats:
- Leather processing: Essential for quality control of leather softening agents, ensuring product consistency and suitability for end-use.
- Industrial formulations: Manufacturers of oil- or fat-based products for leather treatment rely on this standard to verify raw material quality and product performance.
- Laboratory analysis: Analytical labs utilize the method for specification testing, batch comparison, and research, especially when benchmarking against international trade requirements.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensures manufacturers and suppliers meet industry-accepted practices and requirements, facilitating acceptance in global markets.
Key benefits include improved product consistency, enhanced material traceability, and reduced risk of product failure due to improper formulation. The method provides transparency and comparability for suppliers, buyers, and regulatory authorities.
Related Standards
When assessing oils and liquid fats, consider referencing these related standards for comprehensive quality analysis and regulatory compliance:
- ASTM D1957: Standard Test Method for Determination of Fatty Acids in Oils and Fats
- ASTM D1980: Standard Test Method for Acid Value of Fats and Oils by Automatic Titration
- ISO 6883: Animal and vegetable fats and oils - Determination of conventional mass per volume (litre weight in air)
- ISO 3657: Animal and vegetable fats and oils - Determination of saponification value
These documents, when used alongside ASTM D5355-95(2021), offer a complete toolkit for the characterization and quality assurance of oils and liquid fats across industrial applications.
Keywords: ASTM D5355, specific gravity, oils, liquid fats, leather softening, quality control, laboratory test method, industrial standards
Buy Documents
ASTM D5355-95(2021) - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Oils and Liquid Fats
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

Element Materials Technology
Materials testing and product certification.
ABS Group Brazil
ABS Group certification services in Brazil.

ABS Quality Evaluations Inc.
American Bureau of Shipping quality certification.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D5355-95(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Oils and Liquid Fats". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 This test method is used to measure the specific gravity of all oils and liquid fats that are used to soften leather, or that are used in products to soften leather. The specific gravity is one parameter that can be used to monitor the quality of these products. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity of oils and liquid fats by calculating the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of the sample to the weight of a unit volume of water at 25 °C. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 This test method is used to measure the specific gravity of all oils and liquid fats that are used to soften leather, or that are used in products to soften leather. The specific gravity is one parameter that can be used to monitor the quality of these products. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity of oils and liquid fats by calculating the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of the sample to the weight of a unit volume of water at 25 °C. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D5355-95(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.080 - Petroleum products in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D5355-95(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5355 −95 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Specific Gravity of Oils and Liquid Fats
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5355; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope are used in products to soften leather. The specific gravity is
one parameter that can be used to monitor the quality of these
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationofthespecific
products.
gravity of oils and liquid fats by calculating the ratio of the
weight of a unit volume of the sample to the weight of a unit
4. Apparatus
volume of water at 25 °C.
4.1 Specific Gravity Bottles, with well-fitting ground glass
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
joints and a capacity of approximately 50 mL.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
4.2 Water Bath, maintained at 25 °C 6 0.2 °C.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.3 Water Bath, maintained at 60 °C 6 0.2 °C.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.4 Thermometer, laboratory thermometer having a range
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
from − 20 °C to 102 °C with 0.1 or 0.2 subdivisions.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Procedure
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Calibration of the Specific Gravity Bottles—Clean and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
dry thoroughly and then fill with recently boiled and cooled
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
distilled water at 20 °C to 23 °C. Fill the bottle to overflowing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
by holding the bottle on its side in such a manner as to prevent
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the entrapment of air bubbles. Insert the stopper and immerse
in a water bath at 25 °C 6 0.2 °C. Keep the entire bulb
2. Terminology
completely covered with water and hold at the specified
temperature for 30 min. Carefully remove any water that has
2.1 Definitions:
exudedfromthesideopening.Removethebottlefromthebath
2.1.1 density—weight/unit volume expressed as grams per
and wipe completely dry. Weigh the bottle and contents.
centimetre.
Calculate the weight of water in the flask by subtracting the
2.1.2 liquid fats—fats that melt below 58 °C.
weight of the empty bottle from the weight of the bottle plus
2.1.3 oils—substances that are fluid at 25 °C, consisting of
the water.
glycerides of fatty acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic
5.2 Specific Gravity at 25/25 °C:
hydrocarbons.
5.2.1 Melt the sample and filter through filter paper to
2.1.4 specific gravity—theratioofthedensityofasubstance
remove any impurities and the last traces of moisture. The
to the density of the reference substance.
sample must be completely dry.
5.2.2 Coolthesamplefrom20 °Cto23 °Candfillthebottle
3. Significance and Use
to overflowing, holding the bottle on its side in such a ma
...




Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...