5.1 The OTR is an important determinant of the packaging protection afforded by barrier materials. It is not, however, the sole determinant, and additional tests, based on experience, must be used to correlate packaging performance with OTR. It is suitable as a referee method of testing, provided that the purchaser and the seller have agreed on sampling procedures, standardization procedures, test conditions, and acceptance criteria.

5.2 Limited statistical data on correlations with Test Method D1434 methods are available3; however, the oxygen transmission rate of a standard reference material (see 12.1) as determined manometrically by NIST, is in good agreement with the values obtained in the coulometric interlaboratory test using material from the same manufacturing lot. Thus, this test method may be used as a referee method.

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determination of the steady-state rate of transmission of oxygen gas through plastics in the form of film, sheeting, laminates, coextrusions, or plastic-coated papers or fabrics. It provides for the determination of (1) oxygen gas transmission rate (OTR), (2) the permeance of the film to oxygen gas (PO₂), and (3) oxygen permeability coefficient (P′O₂) in the case of homogeneous materials. This method is quantitative and has been demonstrated by the enclosed Table 2 Statistical Summary of Data to be effective for measuring the oxygen transmission rate of materials from 0.063 cc/(m² x day) to 64.4 cc/(m² x day).

1.2 This test method does not purport to be the only method for measurement of OTR. There may be other methods of OTR determination that use other oxygen sensors and procedures.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.