Barrier Testing
Standardized analytical testing under ISO 15106-2 defines instrumental procedures for measuring water vapour transmission rates through flexible packaging materials and coated paperboard using an infrared detection sensor. Compliance with iso 15106-2 involves mounting a test specimen in a dry-gas carrier cell opposite a humidified chamber maintained at constant temperature. Water vapour permeating through the substrate barrier into the dry stream flows directly into an infrared sensor, which measures spectral absorption to quantify moisture flux.
Sensor Dynamics
Infrared detection optics provide high sensitivity for measuring low-level permeability in barrier-coated paper and plastic laminates. The procedure outlined in iso 15106-2 eliminates carrier gas consumption typical of electrolytic methods while delivering rapid response times for barrier film evaluation. Operational calibration requires certified reference films to verify zero-point stability and optical cell response before continuous specimen testing.
Temperature control within the test chamber must remain within narrow tolerances, as small thermal variations alter permeability coefficients across hydrophobic barrier coatings.
Moisture Protocol
Packaging specifiers use transmission rate data to determine shelf-life stability for moisture-sensitive dry food or pharmaceutical products. Test results expressed in grams per square metre per twenty-four hours establish whether extrusion-coated or metalized paperboard structures prevent ambient humidity ingress during storage.
