MaTestLab > Test Standards > ASTM D3985 Determination of Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate (OTR) through Plastic Film and Sheeting
Last updated 25th October 2024
ASTM D3985 Determination of Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate (OTR) through Plastic Film and Sheeting
ASTM D3985 is a standard test method that determines the oxygen gas transmission rate (OTR) through plastic films and sheeting. The OTR is an important determinant of the packaging protection provided by barrier materials. The ASTM D3985 test method is suitable as a referee method to obtain important information about the barrier properties of plastic materials, allowing manufacturers and purchasers to assess their suitability for packaging applications.
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ASTM D3985 Introduction
ASTM D3985 establishes the standard test method for measuring the oxygen gas transmission rate of plastic films and sheeting. The OTR is a critical parameter in evaluating the barrier properties of plastic materials, as it quantifies the amount of oxygen that can permeate through the material over a specific period. ASTM D3985 evaluates the steady-state rate of transmission of oxygen gas through plastics in the form of film, sheeting, laminates, co-extrusions, or plastic-coated papers or fabrics. It provides for the determination of (a) oxygen gas transmission rate (OTR), (b) the permeance of the film to oxygen gas (PO2), and (c) oxygen permeability coefficient (P′O2) in the case of homogeneous materials. The ASTM D3985 test method helps manufacturers select appropriate packaging materials to maintain product freshness, shelf life, and stability.
ASTM D3985 test method is useful for applications that require oxygen-sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. We have the best network of testing labs in the USA to carry out ASTM D792 test for our clients.
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D3985 Test Method
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ASTM D3985 Test Method
Specimens are conditioned in a controlled environment to stabilize their moisture content and ensure consistent test results. The ASTM D3985 method proceeds as follows:
Test Conditions
The test is conducted using an instrument equipped with a coulometric sensor, which measures the oxygen permeating through the specimen. The specimen is securely clamped between two chambers, creating a sealed barrier. The coulometric sensor measures the change in oxygen concentration over time.
Measurement and Calculation
The OTR is determined by quantifying the rate at which oxygen permeates through the specimen. It is expressed as the volume of oxygen gas (cc) that passes through a unit area of the material (m²) per unit time (24 hours), under specified test conditions.
ASTM D3985 Equipment and Sample Preparation
Specimen Details
ASTM D3985 covers a wide range of plastic films or sheeting samples prepared in the form of discs or squares.
Specimen dimensions
The diameter of the specimen ranges from 50 mm to 120mm and thickness is in the range of 50 µm to 500 µm.
Specimen preparation
Specimen preparation guidelines include cutting, machining, and sampling techniques.
ASTM D3985 Results and Interpretation
The test method ASTM D3985 provides the oxygen gas transmission rate (OTR) values of the tested plastic films or sheeting. These results help manufacturers evaluate the barrier performance of the materials and make informed decisions regarding their suitability for packaging applications requiring oxygen protection. The values stated in SI units are considered as standard.
Tests Related to ASTM D3985
ASTM F1927 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Using a Coulometric Detector) is a related standard.
Use of ASTM D3985 in Various Industries
It is a widely used standard in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and electronics for measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) through plastic films to ensure product shelf life in the food-packaging industry, protect oxygen-sensitive drugs from degradation in the pharmaceutical field, and test protective coatings for oxygen-sensitive components in electronics.
Materials Commonly Tested with ASTM D3985
The tests are conducted on general materials such as films of plastics, multilayer packaging films as well as flexible packaging materials including aluminum-coated films and biodegradable polymers to check their oxygen barrier properties and to find out if they can be used for protecting oxygen-sensitive food products in packaging.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting in ASTM D3985 Testing
Challenges on the measurement of accurate levels of measurements in testing are caused by conditions such as film thickness variability, variability of environmental factors, and requirement of very controlled conditions for film with low oxygen permeability. Good calibration and sample preparation, as well as test conditions control, are necessary to generate reliable data.
Safety and Best Practices in ASTM D3985 Testing
Testing requires proper ventilation, wearing of PPE such as gloves and safety glasses, consistent calibration of equipment, thorough cleaning of sample chambers, proper training of personnel handling the equipment and test materials because some films, when exposed to oxygen, release volatile compounds.
Importance of ASTM D3985
This standard is highly essential to companies relying on packaging as the only barrier that acts to exclude oxygen from product contact such as food, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies. It thereby becomes an important determiner of the optimum shelf life of the product, thereby lowering the rate of spoilage and keeping the products effective. This will lead to safety and quality with end users.
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Please contact us for a detailed quote for your astm d3985 testing needs. Cost incurred to carry out different astm d3985 testing methodology depends on the type of raw material; number of samples, coupons, or specimens; test conditions, turn around time etc. Costs of some ASTM testing methods start from $100 and the final value depends upon the factors listed above. Please contact us for the best and latest prices.
How many samples are required for astm d3985?
The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the astm d3985 standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
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How many days will it take to complete the astm d3985 test?
The turnaround time for astm d3985 test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
Where can I get the astm d3985 tested?
You can share your astm d3985 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm d3985 test to various testing techniques.
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