Designation: F1249 − 13

Standard Test Method for

Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and
Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1249; 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 E178 Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
rate of water vapor transmission through flexible barrier Determine the Precision of a Test Method
materials. The method is applicable to sheets and films up to 3
mm (0.1 in.) in thickness, consisting of single or multilayer 3. Terminology
synthetic or natural polymers and foils, including coated 3.1 Definitions:
materials. It provides for the determination of (1) water vapor 3.1.1 water vapor permeability coeffıcient—the product of
transmission rate (WVTR), (2) the permeance of the film to the permeance and the thickness of the film. The permeability
water vapor, and (3) for homogeneous materials, water vapor is meaningful only for homogeneous materials, in which case
permeability coefficient. it is a property characteristic of bulk material.
NOTE 1—Values for water vapor permeance and water vapor perme- 3.1.1.1 Discussion—This quantity should not be used unless
ability must be used with caution. The inverse relationship of WVTR to the relationship between thickness and permeance has been
thickness and the direct relationship of WVTR to the partial pressure verified in tests using several thicknesses of the material. An
differential of water vapor may not always apply. accepted unit of permeability is the metric perm centimeter, or
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the 1 g/m2 per day per mm Hg·cm of thickness. The SI unit is the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the mol/m2·s·Pa·mm. The test conditions (see 3.1) must be stated.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.2 water vapor permeance—the ratio of a barrier’s
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
WVTR to the vapor pressure difference between the two
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
surfaces.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.2.1 Discussion—An accepted unit of permeance is the
metric perm, or 1 g/m2 per day per mm Hg. The SI unit is the
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 mol/m2·s·Pa. Since the permeance of a specimen is generally a
D374 Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insu- function of relative humidity and temperature, the test condi-
lation (Withdrawn 2013)3 tions must be stated.
D1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Withdrawn 1998)3
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of 3.1.3 water vapor transmission rate (WVTR)—the time rate
Materials of water vapor flow normal to the surfaces, under steady-state
E104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity conditions, per unit area.
by Means of Aqueous Solutions 3.1.3.1 Discussion—An accepted unit of WVTR is g/m2 per
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in day. The test conditions of relative humidity and temperature
ASTM Test Methods where the humidity is the difference in relative humidity across
the specimens, must be stated.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on Flexible 4. Summary of Test Method
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.10 on
Permeation. 4.1 A dry chamber is separated from a wet chamber of
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2013. Published November 2013. Originally known temperature and humidity by the barrier material to be
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F1249 – 06 (2011).
DOI: 10.1520/F1249-13. tested. The dry chamber and the wet chamber make up a
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or diffusion cell in which the test film is sealed. Water vapor
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM diffusing through the film mixes with the gas in the dry
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
chamber and is carried to a pressure-modulated infrared sensor.
the ASTM website.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on This sensor measures the fraction of infrared energy absorbed
www.astm.org. by the water vapor and produces an electrical signal, the

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 F1249 − 13

FIG. 2 Conditioning System

FIG. 1 Measuring System

the area established by the inside contact diameter of the

amplitude of which is proportional to water vapor concentra- compressed O–ring when the diffusion cell is clamped shut
tion. The amplitude of the electrical signal produced by the test against the test specimen.
film is then compared to the signal produced by measurement 6.1.1.2 Diffusion Cell Sealing Surface—A flat rim around
of a calibration film of known water vapor transmission rate. the dry side of the diffusion cell. This is a critical sealing
This information is then used to calculate the rate at which surface against which the test specimen is pressed; it shall be
moisture is transmitted through the material being tested. smooth and without radial scratches.
5. Significance and Use 6.1.1.3 Diffusion Cell Air Passages—Two holes in the dry
half of the diffusion cell. This is necessary only in the earlier
5.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain reliable model WVTR instruments that have a separate conditioning
values for the WVTR of plastic film and sheeting. rack and testing chamber. These shall incorporate O–rings
5.2 WVTR is an important property of packaging materials suitable for sealing the diffusion cell to the test chamber
and can be directly related to shelf life and packaged product pneumatic fittings for the introduction and exhaust of air
stability. without significant loss or leakage.
5.3 Data from this test method is suitable as a referee NOTE 2—Use of Multiple Diffusion Cells—Experience has shown that
method of testing, provided that the purchaser and seller have arrangements using multiple diffusion cells are a practical way to increase
the number of measurements that can be obtained in a given time. A
agreed on sampling procedures, standardization procedures,
separate conditioning rack (Fig. 2) may be used that contains a manifold
test conditions, and acceptance criteria. which connects the dry-chamber side of each individual diffusion cell to
a dry-air source. Dry air is continually purging the dry chamber of those
6. Apparatus cells that are connected to the conditioning rack while the humid chamber
6.1 This method utilizes water vapor transmission appara- side is held at a specific relative humidity by distilled water or a
saturated-salt solution. It is desirable to thermostatically control the
tus4 (Fig. 1) comprised of the following: temperature of the conditioning rack as described in 6.1.3.
6.1.1 Diffusion Cell—An assembly consisting of two metal
halves which, when closed upon the test specimen, will 6.1.2 Test Chamber—A cavity into which the diffusion cell
accurately define a circular area. A typical acceptable diffusion is inserted. Again, this is necessary only in the earlier model
cell area is 50 cm2. The volume enclosed by each cell half, WVTR instruments that have a separate conditioning rack and
when clamped, is not critical; it should be small enough to testing chamber. The test chamber shall incorporate means for
allow for rapid gas exchange, but not so small that an clamping the diffusion cell in accurate registration with pneu-
unsupported film that happens to sag or buckle will contact the matic system openings to the dry-air source and the infrared
top or bottom of the cell. A depth of approximately 6 mm detector. The chamber shall also provide a thermometer well
(0.250 in.) has been found to be satisfactory for 50-cm2 cells. for the measurement of temperature.
6.1.1.1 Diffusion Cell O–Ring —An appropriately sized 6.1.3 Diffusion Cell Temperature Control—It is desirable to
groove machined into the humid chamber side of the diffusion thermostatically control the temperature of the diffusion cell to
cell retains a neoprene O–ring. The test area is considered to be within 61°F. A simple resistive heater attached to the station in
such a manner as to ensure good thermal contact is adequate
for this purpose. A thermistor sensor and an appropriate control
4
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time circuit will serve to regulate the temperature unless measure-
is Mocon/Modern Controls, Inc., 7500 Boone Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN
ments are being made close to ambient temperature. In that
55428. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider- case it may be necessary to provide cooling coils to remove
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend. some of the heat.

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 F1249 − 13
6.1.4 Flowmeter—A means for regulating the flow of dry air
within an operating range of 5 to 100 cc/min is required.
6.1.5 Flow-Switching Valves, for the switching of dry-gas
flow streams of the water vapor transmission apparatus.
6.1.6 Infrared Sensor—A water vapor detector capable of
sensing 1 µg/L of water, or, in other terms, 1 ppm by volume,
or 0.002 % relative humidity at 37.8°C.
6.1.7 Recording Device—A multirange strip chart recorder
or other appropriate instrument for measuring the voltage
developed by the signal amplifier.
6.1.8 Desiccant Drying System, shall be capable of reducing
the concentration of water vapor in the gas source down to less FIG. 3 Film Diffusion Cell
than 0.5 ppm by volume or 0.001 % relative humidity at
37.8°C. In earlier model WVTR equipment, a separate desic- 10. Test Procedure
cant drying system is needed for the conditioning rack and test
chamber. 10.1 Preparation of Apparatus (Fig. 1)—If preceding tests
6.1.9 Flow-Metering Valve—A fine-metering valve capable have exposed the apparatus to high moisture levels, outgas the
of controlling the dry-gas flow rate to the test cell when the system to desorb residual moisture.
apparatus is in the “measure’’ mode of operation. 10.2 Number of Specimens Tested—Test enough specimens
to characterize package permeation rates but never less than
7. Reagents and Materials three per sample.
7.1 Desiccant,4,5 for drying gas stream. 10.3 Preparation of Test Samples:
7.2 Absorbent Pads (not critical), such as filter pads of 30 to 10.3.1 Cut the test specimen to approximately 10 cm by 10
75 mm in diameter. Necessary only in earlier model WVTR cm (4 in. by 4 in.).
equipment that utilizes distilled water or saturated salt solu- 10.3.2 Measure specimen thickness at four equally spaced
tions to generate the desired relative humidity. points within the test area and at the center in accordance with
guidelines described in Test Method D374.
7.3 Distilled Water, for producing 100 % relative humidity, 10.3.3 Lightly grease the cell sealing surface and the cell
or various saturated salt solutions to produce other relative O–ring.
humidities as described in Practice E104. Newer WVTR 10.3.4 For earlier model WVTR systems that require the use
equipment does not require saturated salt solutions. Refer to of distilled water or saturated salt solutions, insert one to three
the manufacturer’s instructions for generating relative humid- absorbent pads into the lower half-cell and dampen with
ity. distilled water or a desired salt solution. Otherwise, for newer
7.4 Reference Film, known WVTR material for system WVTR instruments, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
calibration. generating the desired relative humidity.
7.5 Sealing Grease, a high-viscosity, silicone stopcock 10.3.5 Affix the test film to the diffusion cell following the
grease or other suitable high-vacuum grease is required for manufacturer’s instructions. Fig. 3 shows the type of diffusion
lubrication of O–rings and to seal the specimen film in the cell used in earlier model WVTR equipment that consisted of
diffusion cell. a separate conditioning rack and testing chamber. Diffusion
cells in newer WVTR equipment are similar to the lower half
7.6 Nitrogen Gas, shall be dry and contain not less than of the cell displayed in Fig. 3.
99.5 % nitrogen. Needed only with certain WVTR instruments. 10.3.6 If using a separate conditioning rack, clamp the
assembled cell in the conditioning rack. Allow the film to
8. Sampling
condition in the diffusion cell until steady state has been
8.1 Select material for testing in accordance with standard attained. If unfamiliar with the material being tested, the
methods of sampling applicable to the material under test. operator should investigate the effect of conditioning time to be
Sampling may be done in accordance with Practice D1898. certain that sufficient time has been allowed for the material to
Select samples considered representative of the material to be equilibrate under the test conditions (see Note 3).
tested. If the material is of nonsymmetrical construction, the
10.4 Measure the WVTR of the film specimen following the
orientation should be noted.
manufacturer’s instructions.
9. System Calibration With Reference Film NOTE 3—When testing materials for which the operator has no previous
history, additional time must be allowed to assure that true equilibrium has
9.1 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating been reached. When in doubt, retest after an additional conditioning
the WVTR instrument with a reference film. interval of several hours.
10.5 Record temperature of each test with reference to a
5
thermometer or thermocouple installed in the test chamber
Linde Molecular Sieve, Type 4A or Type 5A, in the form of 1⁄8 in. pellets as
may be obtained from the Union Carbide Co., Linde Division, Danbury, CT thermometer well. Temperature is a critical parameter affecting
06817-0001. the measurement of WVTR. During testing, monitor the

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 F1249 − 13
temperature, periodically, to the nearest 0.5°C. Report the 12.1.5 A statement of the means used to obtain the calibra-
average temperature and the range of temperatures observed tion factor,
during the test. 12.1.6 The effective area exposed to permeation and a
10.6 Standby and Shutoff Procedures: description of how it was defined,
12.1.7 The time to reach steady-state after introduction of
10.6.1 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for putting
the diffusion cell into the test chamber, and
the instrument in standby when not being used.
12.1.8 A description of the conditioning procedure.
10.6.2 When the system is not to be used for an extended
period and there are no films that require conditioning, the 13. Precision and Bias
electrical power may be turned off.
13.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
11. Calculation interlaboratory study of F1249, Standard Test Method for
Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and
11.1 WVTR—If using a recorder, calculate water vapor Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor, conducted in
transmission rate using the formula: 2012. Each of twelve laboratories tested seven different mate-
WVTR 5 C ~ ES 2 EO! rials. Every “test result” represents an individual
determination, and all participants reported duplicate WVTR
where:
test results. Practice E691 was followed for the design and
C = a calibration factor expressing rate as a function of analysis of the data; the details are given in ASTM Research
voltage (or mV). The value of C is derived from tests Report RR: F02-1000.6
of a known reference film (Section 9), 13.1.1 Repeatability (r)—The difference between repetitive
EO = permeation system zero level voltage, and results obtained by the same operator in a given laboratory
ES = equilibrium voltage obtained with the test specimen.
applying the same test method with the same apparatus under
Newer computer-controlled systems will automatically cal- constant operating conditions on identical test material within
culate the WVTR. short intervals of time would in the long run, in the normal and
11.2 Permeance—Calculate sample permeance (if required) correct operation of the test method, exceed the following
using the following relationship: values only in one case in 20.
13.1.1.1 Repeatability can be interpreted as maximum dif-
WVTR ference between two results, obtained under repeatability
Metric Perms 5 5 g/m 2 ·day·mm Hg
Pw conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes
where: under normal and correct operation of the test method.
WVTR = Specimen water vapor transmission rate, g/m2·d, 13.1.1.2 Repeatability limits are listed in Table 1.
and 13.1.2 Reproducibility (R)—The difference between two
Pw = Water vapor partial pressure gradient across the single and independent results obtained by different operators
test specimen, mmHg. applying the same test method in different laboratories using
different apparatus on identical test material would, in the long
11.3 Permeability Coeffıcient—Calculate the water vapor run, in the normal and correct operation of the test method,
permeability coefficient (if required) using the following rela- exceed the following values only in one case in 20.
tionship: 13.1.2.1 Reproducibility can be interpreted as maximum
Permeability 5 metric perms·t difference between two results, obtained under reproducibility
conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes
where:
under normal and correct operation of the test method.
t = the average thickness of the specimen, mm. Note: 13.1.2.2 Reproducibility limits are listed in Tables 1 and 2.
Permeability calculations are meaningful only in cases 13.1.3 The above terms (repeatability and reproducibility
where materials have been determined to be limit) are used as specified in Practice E177.
homogeneous. 13.1.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements in
13.1.1 and 13.1.2 would have an approximate 95 % probability
12. Report of being correct.
12.1 Report the following information: 13.2 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted
12.1.1 A description of the test specimen. If the material is reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test
nonsymmetrical (two sides different), include a statement as to method; therefore, no statement on bias is being made.
which side was facing the high humidity, 13.3 The precision statement was determined through sta-
12.1.2 The humidity environment on each side of the test tistical examination of 230 test results, from twelve
film and means by which it was obtained, laboratories, on seven materials.
12.1.3 The test temperature (to nearest 0.5°C),
12.1.4 The values of WVTR and, if desired, values of
permeance and permeability. These entries should be rounded 6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
off to three significant figures or less, as may be consistent with be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:F02-1000. Contact ASTM Customer
the operator’s estimate of precision or bias, Service at [email protected].

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 F1249 − 13
TABLE 1 Water Vapor Transmission Rate (g/m2 × day)
Repeatability Standard Reproducibility Standard
AverageA Deviation Deviation Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Material x̄ Sr SR r R
Polyvinylidence 0.519 0.018 0.072 0.050 0.201
Chloride—White
Polyethylene Resin Vapor 0.706 0.017 0.051 0.049 0.143
Barrier—Blue
Aluminum foil, fiberglass, 0.003 0.001 0.004 0.004 0.011
and polyester fabric
PET—1 mil 26.005 0.984 2.248 2.756 6.293
PET—5 mil 4.810 0.212 0.327 0.594 0.917
PCTFE homopolymer, 0.259 0.012 0.043 0.034 0.120
high performance barrier
film—1 mil
PCTFE homopolymer, 0.052 0.004 0.009 0.010 0.026
high performance barrier
film—4 mil
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

TABLE 2 Days to Equilibrium (no replicate data reported)

Repeatability Standard Reproducibility Standard
AverageA Devication Deviation Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Material x̄ Sr SR r R
Polyvinylidene 1.47 1.07 3.00
Chloride—White
Polyethylene Resin Va- 1.66 1.04 2.91
por Barrier—Blue
Aluminum foil, 2.37 1.72 4.81
fiberglass, and polyester
fabric
PET—1 mil 1.06 0.45 1.26
PET—5 mil 1.33 0.59 1.66
PCTFE homopolymer, 1.75 1.68 4.69
high performance bar-
rier film—1 mil
PCTFE homopolymer, 2.07 1.81 5.07
high performance bar-
rier film—4 mil
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

13.4 To judge the equivalency of two test results, it is

recommended to choose the material closest in characteristics
to the test material.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TESTING POOR BARRIERS

X1.1 Normal procedures as described for the modulated X1.2.2 By reducing the area of the test film.
infrared permeation system are considered suitable for testing
barrier materials having rates up to 100 g/m2–day. Above that X1.3 Alternatively, apply foil masks with die-cut apertures.
level, a different approach may be required in order to keep the These may be applied to both sides of a barrier to reduce the
sensor output within design limits. sample area. Metal masks utilizing a neoprene O-ring are yet
another alternative.
X1.2 In general, the testing of a “high transmitter” requires
that means be employed to reduce the concentration of water X1.4 Each of these methods, when used alone or in
vapor in the sensor. This may be accomplished in two ways: combination, serves to reduce the vapor concentration of the
air stream.
X1.2.1 By increasing the flow of dry gas (possible in earlier NOTE X1.1—The precision and bias of results obtained with reduced-
model WVTR equipment), or area masked samples has not been established.

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 F1249 − 13
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