ASTM D3985 Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) Testing Services
Determination of Oxygen Permeation of Flexible Barrier Materials Using a Coulometric Sensor by ASTM D3985, ISO 15105. Materials like film, sheets, laminates, co-extrusions, or plastic coated papers or fabrics can be tested for required end use applications.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D3985 covers the standard method for determining the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films, sheets, laminates, and coated materials. In this test, the amount of oxygen permeating through a material is measured at controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
The barrier performance of packaging materials, the prediction of product shelf life, and the protection of oxygen-sensitive products all depend on OTR data. ASTM D3985 provides a harmonized basis for comparing packaging materials and supporting quality control, product development, and performance verification.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D3985 outlines the procedure for determining the oxygen permeability of flexible and semi-rigid polymeric materials. It evaluates:
- Oxygen transmission rate (cc/m²/day)
- Barrier efficiency under controlled temperature and humidity
- Effects of material composition, thickness, and coatings
The method uses a coulometric oxygen sensor and a dual-chamber diffusion cell to provide precise permeability data for packaging evaluation and material selection.
Applications
- Assessing oxygen-barrier performance of food packaging films
- Evaluating pharmaceutical and medical device packaging
- Testing multilayer laminates and coated barrier films
- Selecting materials for electronics and corrosion-sensitive components
- R&D for optimizing packaging formulations and shelf-life performance
Benefits
- Provides quantitative oxygen permeability data for material comparison
- Helps predict shelf life and product stability
- Supports packaging design decisions for oxygen-sensitive goods
- Ensures compliance with quality control and regulatory expectations
- Useful for evaluating the effects of additives, coatings, and environmental conditions
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Cut and condition the film or sheet sample to required size while ensuring no wrinkles, damage, or defects.
1Test Cell Setup
Mount the specimen between two chambers—one exposed to pure oxygen and the other purged with an inert carrier gas such as nitrogen. Ensure leak-free sealing.
2Measurement & Monitoring
Continuously measure the oxygen passing through the sample using a coulometric or electrochemical detector until steady-state transmission is achieved.
3Calculation of OTR
Determine the oxygen transmission rate (cc/m²/day) at the specified temperature and humidity. Results are compared for barrier performance and quality consistency.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Principle | Oxygen permeation measured using a coulometric detector in a dual-chamber diffusion cell |
| Sample Types | Films, sheets, laminates, coated materials |
| Sample Dimensions | Typically 50–100 mm diameter or as suitable for the test cell |
| Test Conditions | Controlled temperature and humidity |
| Measured Output | Oxygen transmission rate (cc/m²/day) |
| Analysis Basis | Steady-state oxygen permeation through the material |
| Typical Duration | Until stable permeation is reached (varies by material and conditions) |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Diffusion cells with a dual-chamber design (oxygen side and nitrogen side)
- Coulometric or electrochemical oxygen sensors
- Temperature- and humidity-controlled conditioning chambers
- Flow controllers for oxygen and nitrogen gases
- Data acquisition software for OTR calculation and trend analysis
Results and Deliverables
- Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) in cc/m²/day at specified conditions
- Barrier performance comparison across materials or batches
- Assessment of the impact of coatings, additives, or thickness variations
- Stability and reproducibility of oxygen permeation behavior
- Insights for packaging optimization and shelf-life estimation
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM D3985?
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3985 measures oxygen transmission rate through plastic films and barrier materials. It evaluates permeability, helping assess packaging performance, shelf life, and protection of oxygen-sensitive products in food, medical, and industrial applications.
Key parameters include temperature, relative humidity, oxygen concentration, film thickness, and test area. Controlled conditions ensure accurate measurement of oxygen permeability through barrier materials.
The test measures oxygen transmission rate, typically expressed in cc/m²/day. Results indicate barrier effectiveness of materials and suitability for protecting oxygen-sensitive products.
ASTM D3985 applies to plastic films, laminates, and barrier materials used in packaging, medical devices, and industrial applications requiring controlled oxygen permeability.
ASTM D3985 results depend on environmental conditions and sample preparation. It may not fully represent real-world packaging conditions, requiring additional testing for varying humidity, temperature, or product interactions.
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