Validation of permeability (water vapor, O2, CO2, N2)

Permeability validation measures a material's ability to allow gases such as water vapor, oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂) or nitrogen (N₂) . This property is crucial for assessing the barrier performance of materials used in food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical packaging .

The permeability measurement aims to:

• Ensure the preservation of products sensitive to humidity or oxidation.
• Validate the quality and conformity of materials according to international standards.
• Optimize the formulation of multilayer films , varnishes or protective coatings.
• Evaluate the durability of packaging against gases and ambient humidity.

This analysis is part of the processes of material qualification , quality control or packaging-product compatibility study .

Analytical methods used

Permeability to gases and water vapor is measured by permeametry , following recognized normative standards:

• Water vapor permeability (WVTR) : ASTM E96 or ISO 15106 , measured at controlled temperature and humidity.
• Oxygen Permeability Test (OTR) : ASTM D3985 or ISO 15105 , based on an electrochemical sensor or a coulometric detector.
• Permeability to carbon dioxide (CO₂TR) and nitrogen (N₂TR)**: analogous methods according to ASTM D1434 or ISO 2556 .
• Gas transmission measurements using a permeameter coupled to a gas flow analyzer , under controlled atmosphere.

The results are expressed as transmission rates (cm³·m⁻²·day⁻¹·bar⁻¹) and allow the performance of different films or multilayer structures to be compared.

Affected matrices

This study applies to a wide range of materials and packaging:

• Plastic films, technical polymers, composites and multi-layer laminates.
• Cosmetic or pharmaceutical packaging (bottles, tubes, sachets, blisters).
• Food barriers (films under modified atmosphere, lids, caps).
• Biodegradable or recycled materials , whose barrier performance must be verified.

Industrial applications

Validation of permeability is essential for:

• The food industry , in order to preserve the texture, freshness and shelf life of sensitive products.
• The cosmetics sector , to guarantee the stability of emulsions, gels and formulations based on volatile active ingredients.
• Pharmaceutical packaging , to protect active substances from humidity and oxidation.
• The development of new packaging materials (bio-sourced, recycled or compostable films).

Related analyses

For a complete characterization of packaging materials, permeability can be coupled with other tests:

• Chemical corrosion study to assess interactions between material and content.
• Stability and compatibility test to check the resistance of packaging over time.
• Thermal degradation analysis (TGA) to study the stability of the polymer to heat.
• Polymer composition analysis (FTIR, DSC) to identify constituent materials.

YesWeLab expertise

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