Significance and Use

These measurements give semiquantitative estimates for the gas transmission of single pure gases through film and sheeting. Correlation of measured values with any given use, such as packaged contents protection, must be determined by experience. The gas transmission rate is affected by conditions not specifically provided for in these tests, such as moisture content (Note 2), plasticizer content, and nonhomogeneities. These tests do not include any provision for testing seals that may be involved in packaging applications.

Note 2The tests are run using gas with 0 % moisture changes.

Interlaboratory testing has revealed that permeances measured by these procedures exhibit a strong dependence on the procedure being used, as well as on the laboratory performing the testing. Agreement with other methods is sometimes poor and may be material-dependent. The materials being tested often affect the between-laboratory precision. The causes of these variations are not known at this time. It is suggested that this method not be used for referee purposes unless purchaser and seller can both establish that they are measuring the same quantity to a mutually agreed upon level of precision.

Use of the permeability coefficient (involving conversion of the gas transmission rate to a unit thickness basis) is not recommended unless the thickness-to-transmission rate relationship is known from previous studies. Even in essentially homogeneous structures, variations in morphology (as indicated, for example, by density) and thermal history may influence permeability.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the estimation of the steady-state rate of transmission of a gas through plastics in the form of film, sheeting, laminates, and plastic-coated papers or fabrics. This test method provides for the determination of (1) gas transmission rate (GTR), (2) permeance, and, in the case of homogeneous materials, (3) permeability.

1.2 Two procedures are provided:

1.2.1 Procedure M Manometric.

1.2.2 Procedure V Volumetric.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics

Keywords

Gas permeability; Gas transmission rate (GTR); Homogeneity; Laminates (plastic); Manometric visual determination; Permeability--gas; Permeance; Plastic-coated fabrics; Plastic-coated paper/paperboard; Plastic sheet and film; Pressure testing--packaging/containers; Steady-state transmission rate; Transmission ratios; Vacuum testing;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.140.10 (Films and sheets)

DOI: 10.1520/D1434-82R09E01

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D1434