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

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

The permeability measurement aims to:

• 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 in the face of gases and ambient humidity.

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

Analytical methods used

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

• Water vapor permeability (WVTR) standard ASTM E96 or ISO 15106, measured at controlled temperature and humidity.
• Oxygen permeability (OTR) standard 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 a controlled atmosphere.

The results are expressed in transmission rate (cm³·m⁻²·day⁻¹·bar⁻¹) and allow comparison of the performance of different films or multilayer structures.

Matrices involved

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

• Plastic films, engineering polymers, composites and multilayer 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

Permeability validation is essential for:

• The agri-food industries, 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 packagingto protect active substances from moisture and oxidation.
• The development of new packaging materials (bio-based, recycled or compostable films).

Related analyses

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

• Study of chemical corrosion to assess the interactions between the material and the contents.
• Stability and compatibility testing to verify the resistance of packaging over time.
• Thermal degradation analysis (TGA) to study the polymer's heat stability.
• Analysis of polymer composition (FTIR, DSC) to identify constituent materials.

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