ISO 10119-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10119:2020 — Carbon fibre — Determination of density. This International Standard specifies laboratory methods for determining the density of carbon fibre presented as yarn, including four measurement methods (liquid-displacement, sink/float, density-gradient column and gas pycnometer). Method C (density‑gradient column) is identified as the reference method for dispute resolution.

Abstract

ISO 10119:2020 (Edition 3) defines procedures to measure the density of carbon fibre yarn using four alternative methods: method A — liquid‑displacement; method B — sink/float; method C — density‑gradient column (reference); and method D — gas pycnometer. The document gives guidance on sample conditioning and when each method is appropriate, and identifies method C as the reference technique for resolving differences.

General information

• Status: Published — confirmed (reviewed and confirmed in 2025, remains current).
• Publication date: 22 June 2020 (ISO edition 3, 2020-06-22).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 59.100.20 (carbon fibres and related materials).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2020).
• Number of pages: 13 pages (typical PDF length reported by ISO).

Scope

This standard specifies four laboratory methods for determining the density of carbon fibre tested as a yarn: method A — liquid‑displacement; method B — sink/float; method C — density‑gradient column (reference method); and method D — gas pycnometer. It applies to carbon fibre yarns and provides requirements for sample preparation and selection of the appropriate method; method C is recommended as the reference for disputes between parties.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and scope of application for density measurement of carbon fibre yarns.
• Method A — liquid‑displacement (Archimedean/lubricant medium technique) and procedural details.
• Method B — sink/float technique for quick classification and approximate density range.
• Method C — density‑gradient column (reference method) including preparation of gradient and evaluation procedure.
• Method D — gas pycnometer method (added in the 2020 edition) for small-sample or high‑precision measurements.
• Requirements for sample conditioning, desizing where applicable, and reporting of results (method identification, conditions, and uncertainty considerations).

Typical use and users

Primary users include carbon fibre manufacturers, composite-material test laboratories, quality assurance and R&D teams in composites and aerospace/automotive industries, and suppliers or customers who need standardized density data for material specification, acceptance testing or comparative evaluation of yarn batches.

Related standards

ISO 10119:2020 revises and replaces earlier editions ISO 10119:2002 and ISO 10119:1992. It is part of the suite of ISO/TC 61 (plastics and fibres) test standards addressing carbon fibres and composite material characterisation; users often apply ISO 10119 in conjunction with other fibre and composite test methods from ISO/TC 61 subcommittees.

Keywords

carbon fibre; carbon fiber; density determination; density‑gradient column; liquid displacement; sink/float; gas pycnometer; yarn testing; ISO 10119:2020; fibre density.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10119:2020 is an international standard that specifies laboratory methods for determining the density of carbon fibre when tested as yarn, including four alternative methods with the density‑gradient column method designated as the reference.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedural details for four density measurement methods (liquid‑displacement, sink/float, density‑gradient column, and gas pycnometer), sample conditioning and reporting of results; it identifies the density‑gradient column (method C) as the reference method for dispute resolution.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Carbon fibre producers, composite test laboratories, quality control engineers, material engineers in aerospace/automotive/industrial composites, and procurement/specification teams that require standardized density data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10119:2020 is the current edition (Edition 3, published 22 June 2020). The standard was reviewed and confirmed in 2025 and remains the valid edition, superseding ISO 10119:2002 and ISO 10119:1992.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO/TC 61/SC 13 test methods for carbon fibres and related materials; it updates earlier ISO 10119 editions and complements other ISO standards dealing with carbon fibre and composite testing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Carbon fibre, density, density‑gradient column, liquid‑displacement, sink/float, gas pycnometer, yarn testing, ISO 10119:2020.