ASTM C838-16(2023)

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: C838 − 16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Bulk Density of As-Manufactured Carbon and Graphite
Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C838; 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 3.1.1 bulk density, n—in carbon and graphite technology,
the mass of a unit volume including both permeable and
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density
impermeable voids (and boron compounds in the case of
of as-manufactured carbon and graphite from measurements of
boronated carbon or boronated graphite) present in the material
mass and dimensions at room temperature.
at room temperature.
1.2 This test method is applicable to boronated carbon and
graphite.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 This test method is not applicable to carbon- and
4.1 This test method provides a means of determining bulk
graphite-containing materials that are thermally unstable at or
density on as-manufactured logs, blocks, or shaped articles.
below temperatures of 200 °C.
4.2 This test method is suitable for manufacturing control
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
and acceptance specifications.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.3 Test Method C559 may be used when a higher degree of
standard.
accuracy is required.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Test Specimens
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Logs or Blocks—May be measured and weighed as-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
manufactured or after rough ends have been squared by
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
machining. The stock shall preferably have been indoors after
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
heat treatment; if there is doubt that the piece is dry, weigh, dry,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and reweigh it. Repeat, if necessary, until there is less than
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
0.1 % weight loss. The drying temperature should be from
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
110 °C to 200 °C.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.2 Shaped Articles—Other than right circular cylinders or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rectangular parallelepipeds may be measured, and a correction
made for the cavities or protuberances if the specimen volume
2. Referenced Documents
can be determined within 0.5 % (see 6.2).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C559 Test Method for Bulk Density by Physical Measure-
6. Procedure
ments of Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Articles
6.1 Logs or Blocks—Measure as-manufactured on the diam-
eter or cross section at two different locations, taking care to
3. Terminology
avoid distortions. Take four length measurements on cylinders
3.1 Definitions:
90° apart on the periphery of the circular end faces. On
rectangular pieces, make four length measurements, two each
along opposite faces. Make additional measurements, if
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee D02 on Petroleum
needed, to determine a valid mean for each dimension. Make
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D02.F0 on Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Products. dimensional and mass measurements with equipment accurate
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
to 0.5 %.
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C838 – 16. DOI:
10.1520/C0838-16R23.
NOTE 1—Corrections of
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