ASTM D3985-24 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor — ASTM D3985-24. This method defines the procedure for measuring the steady-state oxygen transmission rate (OTR), oxygen permeance, and oxygen permeability coefficient of plastics in the form of film, sheeting, laminates, coextrusions, and plastic‑coated papers or fabrics using a coulometric detector.

Abstract

ASTM D3985-24 describes a quantitative coulometric test technique in which a specimen forms the barrier between an oxygen-containing chamber and a carrier-gas (nitrogen) chamber; oxygen that permeates through the specimen is carried to a coulometric sensor and measured as an electrical current proportional to the oxygen flow. The method reports OTR (commonly expressed in cm³/(m²·day) at specified conditions), permeance, and, for homogeneous materials, an oxygen permeability coefficient. The procedure is intended for steady‑state transmission measurements and is widely used as a referee or comparative test with defined test conditions.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: 15 May 2024 (designation D3985-24).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Films and sheets — ICS code typically cited as 83.140.10 (films and sheets).
• Edition / version: D3985-24 (2024 revision).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

This test method covers the determination of steady‑state oxygen transmission rate (OTR) through plastic films, sheeting, laminates, coextrusions, and plastic‑coated papers or fabrics using a coulometric sensor. It provides procedures to report OTR, oxygen permeance (PO2), and, for homogeneous materials, oxygen permeability coefficient (P′O2). The method specifies SI units as the standard and notes that it applies to measurements under essentially dry conditions unless otherwise referenced; users should refer to related methods for controlled humidity or package tests.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement principle: coulometric (electrochemical) detection of oxygen carried by a nitrogen sweep gas.
• Reported results: Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR), oxygen permeance (PO2), and oxygen permeability coefficient for homogeneous materials.
• Specimen mounting: sealed between two chambers to form the barrier separating oxygen and carrier gas streams.
• Test conditions: defined temperature and gas‑composition control; method typically referenced for near‑dry conditions (low RH) unless using humidity‑controlled variants.
• Units and ranges: SI units for permeance/permeability; method effective across a wide OTR range reported in the standard (detection limits and practical range described in the standard and vendor specifications).
• Precision and interlaboratory validation: precision statements supported by ASTM interlaboratory studies and research reports for D3985.

Typical use and users

Primary users include packaging development and quality control laboratories, polymer and film manufacturers, contract testing labs, instrument manufacturers, and R&D groups evaluating barrier properties for food, pharmaceutical, medical device, and industrial packaging applications. The method is used for product development, specification compliance, supplier qualification, and comparative or referee testing of barrier materials.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or complementary standards include ASTM D1434 (manometric gas transmission methods), ISO 15105 (gas permeability by differential pressure or carrier gas methods), ASTM F1927 (OTR at controlled relative humidity), ASTM F1307 (OTR of packages), and DIN standards addressing oxygen permeability. Users consult these related methods when different sensors, humidity control, or package‑level measurements are required.

Keywords

oxygen transmission rate, OTR, coulometric sensor, oxygen permeance, oxygen permeability coefficient, plastic film, sheeting, barrier materials, permeation, packaging testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3985-24 is the 2024 revision of the ASTM test method that specifies a coulometric technique for measuring oxygen gas transmission rate through plastic films and related sheet materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen mounting, test‑cell arrangement, gas flows, detector calibration, data reduction, and reporting of OTR, permeance, and, where applicable, permeability coefficient. It is intended for steady‑state transmission measurements under defined test conditions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging and materials labs, film and laminate manufacturers, instrument suppliers, and third‑party testing organizations use D3985 for R&D, QC, supplier comparisons, and as a referee method when coulometric detection is appropriate.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As designated D3985-24, this revision (published 15 May 2024) is the current active edition of the standard; ASTM records list the D3985-24 edition as active. Users should verify the current status prior to purchase or test to confirm no subsequent withdrawals or amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D3985 is part of ASTM’s body of standards for permeability and barrier testing (F and D series) and is often used alongside related ASTM methods (for example D1434, F1927, F1307) and international standards (ISO 15105). It is developed by ASTM Committee F02 (subcommittee F02.10).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include coulometric, oxygen transmission rate (OTR), permeance, permeability coefficient, plastic film, sheeting, barrier, permeation, packaging testing.