Overview
SIST EN ISO 15106-2:2005 specifies an instrumental method for determining the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of plastic films, plastic sheeting, and multi-layer structures containing plastics. This part, based on ISO 15106-2:2003, focuses on the infrared detection sensor method, which provides rapid and reliable measurements across a wide range of water vapour transmission rates. The standard is applicable to quality control, product development, and research settings where accurate measurement of barrier properties is essential.
Key Topics
- Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR):
- Expressed as the amount of water vapour transmitted through a unit area of a material over time, commonly in grams per square metre per 24 hours [g/(m²·24h)]
- Infrared Detection Sensor Method:
- An advanced instrumental approach using an infrared sensor to detect changes in humidity caused by water vapour permeating through the specimen
- Offers high sensitivity and rapid results compared to traditional gravimetric methods
- Sample Conditioning and Preparation:
- Detailed procedures for conditioning specimens and maintaining consistent environmental test conditions
- Emphasizes the importance of uniform thickness and sample integrity without defects
- Test Apparatus Requirements:
- Specifies the need for a transmission cell with controlled humidity chambers and temperature regulation
- Outlines calibration and maintenance for sensors and flow meters to ensure accuracy
- Reporting and Consistency:
- Provides guidance on test reporting, including referencing the standard, sample identification, conditioning, and calculation of the mean result
Applications
- Packaging Industry:
- Critical for evaluating and certifying films and sheets used for food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where moisture barrier properties affect shelf life and product integrity
- Quality Control:
- Ensures consistent product performance and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements within manufacturing environments
- Research and Product Development:
- Supports the development of new materials and multilayer barrier structures by enabling precise measurement and comparison of water vapour transmission rates
- Standardized Testing in Laboratories:
- Facilitates inter-laboratory comparisons and harmonized testing procedures worldwide, ensuring reliable and reproducible results
Related Standards
- ISO 15106-1: Plastics - Film and sheeting - Determination of water vapour transmission rate - Humidity detection sensor method
- ISO 15106-3: Plastics - Film and sheeting - Determination of water vapour transmission rate - Electrolytic detection sensor method
- ISO 2528: Sheet materials - Determination of water vapour transmission rate - Gravimetric (dish) method
- ISO 4593: Plastics - Film and sheeting - Determination of thickness by mechanical scanning
Practical Value
Implementing SIST EN ISO 15106-2:2005 ensures standardized measurement of water vapour transmission in plastics, enhancing confidence in product performance and compliance. The infrared detection sensor method allows manufacturers, packaging developers, and research facilities to obtain rapid and precise assessments crucial for quality assurance and product innovation. By adhering to this European standard, organizations ensure compatibility and benchmarking with global practices in plastics testing and packaging science.