Bulk densities (ρbulk) were obtained by the Archimedes method, using ethanol as the liquid medium. The mass of the as-produced sample (md) was first measured. Then the sample was immersed in ethanol for 2 min to fill open pores with the fluid, prior to measuring the mass of the sample in the liquid medium (ml).The sample surface was then gently wiped to remove any excess on the surface and the mass of the sample saturated with liquid (ms) was measured in air.