An oxygen permeability test measures how quickly oxygen gas passes through a material, such as a plastic film, paper, or rubber. This test is used in research and development, quality control, and to evaluate the barrier properties of packaging materials.
How to Test Oxygen Permeability
Oxygen permeability testing measures the rate at which oxygen passes through a material. The primary purpose is to determine the barrier properties of packaging materials, such as films or containers, especially those used in food, pharmaceuticals, or electronics, where protection from oxygen is critical. To perform this test, an Oxygen Permeability Tester (OPT) is used, following standard testing procedures.
In the test, a material is exposed to an oxygen-rich atmosphere on one side, while the other side is usually filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen. Over time, the oxygen molecules permeate through the material, and the OPT measures the rate of oxygen transmission. Sensors on the inert gas side detect the oxygen level, allowing the system to calculate the oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The factors that affect the rate include the material’s thickness, environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), and the physical and chemical composition of the material.
What is the Oxygen Permeability Instrument?
An Oxygen Permeability Instrument (or Oxygen Permeability Tester, OPT) is a device designed to measure the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of materials, particularly packaging films, bottles, and containers. These instruments are crucial in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where the presence of oxygen can affect product quality and shelf life.