ASTM D1653 Test for Water Vapor Transmission of Organic Coating Films
The ASTM D1653 test measures the rate at which water vapor passes through films of organic coatings like paint, varnish, and lacquer. This test is essential in determining the ability of coatings to resist or aid the passage of water vapor, which affects their performance as corrosion barriers in different environments.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
The standard procedure for determining the water vapour permeance (WVP) and transmission rate (WVT) of organic coating films is outlined in ASTM D1653. These characteristics show how well a coating prevents moisture penetration, which is crucial for preventing environmental degradation to substrates, including metals, wood, plastics, and other materials.
ASTM D1653 assists in evaluating coating longevity, barrier performance, and appropriateness for moisture-sensitive applications by measuring the amount of water vapour that passes through a coated surface. In sectors that depend on protective coatings, this standardised approach helps with quality control, performance assessment, and product development.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D1653 outlines procedures for determining the moisture-barrier properties of organic coatings through controlled water vapor transmission tests.
It evaluates:
- Water vapor transmission rate (WVT)
- Water vapor permeance (WVP)
- Moisture sensitivity of coating films
- Protective capability of coatings under controlled humidity and temperature
The test includes two methods:
- Method A – Dry Cup Method (desiccant-filled cup)
- Method B – Wet Cup Method (water-filled cup)
Both methods measure vapor movement through coatings under tightly controlled conditions, allowing coatings to be compared when thickness and environment are consistent.
Applications
- Automotive & Aerospace: Evaluating coatings for corrosion prevention in high-humidity environments
- Packaging: Assessing barrier coatings used for food, electronics, and moisture-sensitive products
- Marine & Industrial Equipment: Verifying moisture resistance of coatings on ships, offshore structures, and machinery
- Construction: Testing protective coatings on metal and wood used in humid or outdoor settings
- R&D of Coatings: Formulating and comparing new coating systems for enhanced moisture protection
Benefits
- Determines the coating’s resistance to water vapor penetration
- Helps predict long-term coating durability in humid or corrosive environments
- Provides comparable and standardized WVT and WVP values
- Supports product development and quality control
- Helps ensure coatings meet performance expectations for real-world moisture exposure
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Smooth, uniform coating films are prepared at controlled thickness. If applied on a substrate, the coated side is oriented according to service conditions.
1Cup Selection & Sealing
Dry Cup (Method A): Cup contains desiccant. Wet Cup (Method B): The Cup contains water. The specimen is sealed over the cup opening.
2Conditioning & Exposure
Test assemblies are conditioned in a controlled chamber: Method A: 50% RH at 23 °C or 90% RH at 38 °C Method B: 50% RH at 23 °C or near-zero RH at 23 °C
3Measurement & Calculation
Cups are weighed periodically to calculate the movement of water vapor through the coating. WVT and WVP are computed from the rate of weight change.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Principle | Measurement of water vapor movement through coated films using dry-cup and wet-cup methods |
| Sample Types | Organic coating films, coatings applied on support substrates |
| Specimen Size | Determined by cup or test apparatus (typically circular samples) |
| Exposure Conditions | 50% RH at 23°C, 90% RH at 38°C, or near-zero RH at 23°C |
| Measured Output | Water vapor transmission (WVT) and water vapor permeance (WVP) |
| Analysis Basis | Weight change over time under controlled humidity gradients |
| Failure/Behavior Indicators | Barrier performance and moisture sensitivity |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Vapor transmission test cups (dry cup and wet cup design)
- Environmental chamber with controlled temperature and humidity
- Precision analytical balance for periodic weight measurements
- Film application tools for uniform coating thickness
- Sealing materials compatible with coating and cup type
- Software or calculation tools for WVT and WVP analysis
Results and Deliverables
- Water vapor transmission rate (WVT)
- Water vapor permeance (WVP)
- Moisture barrier comparison of coatings tested under identical conditions
- Assessment of coating performance for corrosion resistance and moisture protection
- Data supporting coating selection, formulation improvement, and marketing claims
- Interpretation of coating behavior in humidity-rich environments
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Read Case StudyFrequently Asked Questions
ASTM D1653 is a standard test method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor.
ASTM D1653 measures the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) through plastic films and sheeting.
ASTM D1653 and ASTM E96 both address the determination of coatings' water vapor transmission and permeance. ASTM E96/E96M addresses permeability, but ASTM D1653 does not.
WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) is the steady-state rate at which water vapor permeates through a film at specified temperature and relative humidity conditions. Values are expressed in g/100 in2/24 hr in US standard units and g/m2/24 hr in metric (or SI) units.
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