ASTM E398-3

Introducing ASTM E398-3 – Industrial Physics

ASTM E398-3 is an international ASTM permeation testing method to measure the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of sheet materials using dynamic relative humidity measurement. 

The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) is one of the most influential standard bodies in existence. Established in 1898, ASTM international exists to develop standardized test methods, specifications, practices, guides, classification, and terminology across a range of subject areas. 

You don’t want water vapor to get through your packaging films and barriers. It’s obvious why you wouldn’t desire this in the food sector – nobody likes soggy potato chips! But it’s also an essential consideration for our customers who work with highly sensitive electronics in the automotive or aerospace sectors, for example. 

The ASTM E398-3 WVTR method describes a permeation test that will help you to compare different materials under specified conditions, rather than predicting their true performance in the field. This is because no single set of test conditions can represent all climatic and use conditions.  

What is water vapor transmission rate testing for?  

Water vapor transmission rate testing can be used to evaluate the vapor barrier qualities of sheeted materials. Direct correlation of the results obtained under different test temperature and relative humidity conditions is valid, only if the barrier material under test doesn’t undergo changes in its solid state. These changes can be a crystalline transition or melting point, for example.  

What’s covered in the ASTM E398-3 WVTR test?

The ASTM E398-3 water vapor transmission rate test covers dynamic evaluation of the rate of transfer of water vapor through a flexible barrier material. You can convert this transmission to generally recognized units obtained by various other test methods. This includes the gravimetric method described in ASTM E96.  

Following the ASTM E398-3 testing method you’ll be able to measure the water vapor transmission rate of flexible barrier sheet materials composed of either completely hydrophobic materials, or combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. But at least one of the surfaces must be hydrophobic. 

This type of WVTR test isn’t suitable for referee testing at this time, but it’s suitable for control testing and material comparison. 

Other ASTM WVTR testing methods to consider 

Several other ASTM test methods are available to measure similar properties. The ASTM E398-3 test is somewhat unique in that it closely duplicates typical product storage. This is where a transfer of moisture from a package into the environment is allowed to proceed without constantly sweeping the environmental side with dry gas. Methods with constantly swept dry sides include ASTM F1249, ASTM F372, and ASTM F1770. 

There’s also more international WVTR testing standards from bodies like ISO and DIN to consider when permeation testing,  just get in touch and we can talk through the options.  

Industrial Physics ASTM E398-3 WVTR testing equipment

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ASTM E398-3 water vapor transmission rate testing?  

Systech Lyssy L80-6000 Water Vapor Permeation Analyzer
The Lyssy L80-6000 Water Vapor Permeation Analyzer is ideal for reliably testing water vapor permeability. The L80 series of permeation analyzers have been used successfully for decades in many laboratories; the L80-6000 is the latest generation in these reliable, cost effective and easy to use water vapor transmission rate testing devices 

Be sure to check out some of the other permeation testing solutions we offer across our whole portfolio. 

Need permeation testing solutions? Get in touch  

We’ve learnt a thing or two about paint testing over the years. We like to share our knowledge and we’re here to help you to answer your questions.  

Across the knowledgebase section of our website we publish lots of blogs on related subjects.   Find out everything you need to know about calibration standards and the various instruments available in our permeation testing FAQs article. For a more detailed look at the various analyzers and testing solutions offering shorter testing times and accurate results here at Industrial Physics, check out our permeation guidebook.  

If you have any questions about ASTM E398-3 water vapor transmission rate testing, then just get in touch!
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