Paperboard Chemical Migration Testing Standards and Simulant Selections
Paperboard chemical migration testing requires matching food simulants to substrate porosity, using Tenax for dry media and certified barrier qualification.
Barrier Efficiency
Protective Performance
Resistance of a polymer or mineral coating on a paper substrate to the transmission of water vapor or grease represents a fundamental property in food packaging design. High barrier efficiency ensures that the wrapped product remains dry and free from contamination during long journeys. Chemically, this characteristic depends on the dry coat weight and the absence of micro-cracks in the film.
Measurement Method
Evaluation of this parameter occurs through standard gravimetric cups or carrier gas sensors that trace the molecular flow over a fixed duration. These trials record the mass of water or gas that traverses a square meter of the substrate within twenty-four hours under specific heat and humidity conditions. Low rates indicate high barrier efficiency.
The test must use uniform temperature, because minor thermal shifts alter the vapor pressure and distort the resulting transport values. When coatings are thin or unevenly distributed, the transport rate increases and reveals voids in the protective layer.
Operational Consequence
Inadequate protection results in early food spoilage and structural weakening of the outer carton. This deterioration threatens the structural strength of stacked packages in humid storage spaces. Moisture penetration softens the cellulose fibres, which leads to box collapse during transport.