ASTM D3985 Testing: Determining Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of Plastic Films and Packaging Materials

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

ASTM D3985 defines a standardized method for measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films, sheeting, and laminates using a coulometric sensor detection system. OTR is one of the most critical barrier properties for packaging materials used in food, pharmaceutical, and medical applications, where oxygen ingress causes oxidation, spoilage, or degradation of the packaged contents.

The test uses a diffusion cell in which the test film separates two chambers. One side is purged with nitrogen (or another carrier gas), while the other is exposed to oxygen at the specified partial pressure. After steady-state permeation is established, the oxygen that diffuses through the film is detected by a coulometric (electrochemical) sensor. The OTR is calculated as the volume of oxygen permeating through a unit area per unit time under specified conditions of temperature and relative humidity.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

ASTM D3985 evaluates:

Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films and laminates
Barrier performance at specified temperature and humidity
Effect of relative humidity on OTR (for moisture-sensitive barriers)
Comparative barrier performance of packaging materials
Permeability coefficient of oxygen through the film
Thickness-normalized oxygen permeability

Applications

Food packaging films (snack, meat, dairy, coffee)
Pharmaceutical blister and pouch packaging
Medical device packaging
Flexible laminate barrier evaluation
Multilayer film barrier performance verification
Active packaging oxygen scavenger evaluation
Research and development in barrier polymer science

Benefits

Provides critical packaging shelf-life data
Enables selection of barrier films for oxygen-sensitive products
Detects barrier degradation from converting or laminating processes
Supports packaging design for target shelf-life
Enables compliance with packaging specifications
Provides data for product stability and shelf-life modeling

Test Process

Specimen Preparation

Film specimens are cut and mounted in the diffusion cell; effective test area is defined.

Cell Conditioning

Both cell chambers are purged; carrier gas (N₂) flows on the detection side.

Oxygen Exposure

Test side is exposed to oxygen at the specified pressure and temperature.

OTR Measurement

After steady-state is achieved, the coulometric sensor measures oxygen flux; OTR is calculated.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Test Principle	Coulometric detection of steady-state oxygen permeation
Test Conditions	23°C, 0% RH (standard); other T/RH available
Applicable Materials	Plastic films, sheeting, and laminates
Output Units	cm³/(m²·day·atm) or cc/(100 in²·day)
Measured Outputs	OTR, oxygen permeability coefficient

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Coulometric OTR analyzer (e.g., Mocon OX-TRAN)
Diffusion test cells
Certified gas supplies (O₂, N₂)
Temperature and humidity control system
Film thickness gauge
Data acquisition software

Results and Deliverables

Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) values
Oxygen permeability coefficient (normalized to thickness)
Test condition records (temperature, humidity)
Statistical summary of results
Compliance documentation
Packaging barrier performance reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D3985 measures oxygen transmission rate through plastic films and packaging materials. It evaluates barrier performance, helping determine shelf life, product protection, and suitability for oxygen-sensitive applications such as food and pharmaceuticals.

Key parameters include temperature, relative humidity, oxygen concentration, film thickness, and test area. Controlled conditions ensure accurate measurement of oxygen permeability through packaging materials.

The test measures oxygen transmission rate, typically expressed in cc/m²/day. Results indicate barrier effectiveness and ability of materials to protect contents from oxygen exposure.

ASTM D3985 applies to plastic films, laminates, and packaging materials used in food, medical, and industrial applications requiring controlled oxygen permeability.

ASTM D3985 results depend on controlled environmental conditions and sample preparation. They may not fully represent real-world storage conditions, requiring additional testing for varying humidity, temperature, or product interactions.