EN ISO 15106-2:2005 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 15106-2:2005 (ISO 15106-2:2003) defines an instrumental procedure to determine the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of plastic film, plastic sheeting and multi‑layer structures using an infrared detection sensor. The method compares humidity changes across a specimen mounted in a two‑chamber transmission cell (wet lower chamber / dry upper chamber) and converts the steady‑state sensor output into WVTR. The standard is optimized for rapid measurement across a wide range of water vapour transmission rates - useful when assessing barrier performance of packaging and films.

Keywords: EN ISO 15106-2, ISO 15106-2, water vapour transmission rate, WVTR, infrared detection sensor, plastic film, humidity testing, barrier properties.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Principle: Measure humidity rise in a dry chamber caused by vapour migrating through the specimen; detect humidity with an infrared sensor and calculate WVTR from sensor voltages and a reference specimen.
• Specimens: Representative, wrinkle‑free test pieces; minimum three specimens unless agreed otherwise; thickness measurement per ISO 4593.
• Conditioning: Standard conditioning at 23 °C ± 2 °C and (50 ± 10) % RH (or as specified).
• Apparatus: Transmission cell (upper & lower chambers), infrared sensor (sensitivity ≈ 1 µg/L or ~1 ppm), pump, flow meter (5–100 ml/min), drying tube, temperature control (±0.5 °C). Transmission area typically 5 cm² to 100 cm².
• Test conditions: Typical temperature/RH sets are specified (e.g., 23–40 °C and 75–90 % RH options); parties may agree on other conditions.
• Reference specimen & calibration: Use a reference specimen (WVTR known or determined per ISO 2528); check periodically (preferably once or twice a year).
• Calculation & reporting: WVTR calculated from zero level and steady‑state voltages, transmission areas and reference WVTR. Test report must include test conditions, specimen details, area, thickness, conditioning, and result, among other items.

Applications and Users

Who uses EN ISO 15106-2:

• Packaging manufacturers evaluating barrier performance for food, pharmaceuticals, electronics.
• Materials R&D and converters comparing film grades and multilayer structures.
• Independent test laboratories performing routine WVTR / permeability testing.
• Quality control teams ensuring compliance with product specifications.

Practical applications:

• Selection of films for moisture‑sensitive products.
• Verification of multilayer laminate performance and process control.
• Rapid screening of materials during development and production.

Related Standards

• ISO 15106-1: Humidity detection sensor method (sister part)
• ISO 15106-3: Electrolytic detection sensor method
• ISO 2528: Gravimetric (dish) method for WVTR
• ISO 4593: Thickness measurement for films and sheeting

EN ISO 15106-2 provides a fast, instrumented WVTR method suitable where speed, sensitivity and repeatable humidity control are needed for assessing plastic film barrier performance.