ASTM E96

Full Name

ASTM E96 – Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials

Scope

ASTM E96 outlines standardized test methods to determine the water vapor transmission rate of materials. This property, crucial in construction and packaging industries, quantifies the amount of moisture that permeates a material over a specific area and time.

The standard details two primary test methods:

  1. Method A – Desiccant method: this method employs a controlled environment with a desiccant below the test specimen, creating a humidity gradient. The weight change of the desiccant over time is measured, indicating the amount of water vapor transmitted through the material.
  2. Method B – Water method: here, the test specimen is sealed over a container filled with water, creating a humid environment above the specimen. The assembly is then exposed to a controlled drier environment. Similar to Method A, the weight loss of the water is measured to determine the water vapor transmission rate.

Key aspects of ASTM E96:

  • Applicability: the standard applies to various materials like plastic films, sheeting, paper products, foil, and preformed building materials.
  • Test conditions: the standard outlines specific temperature and humidity conditions for testing, ensuring consistent and reproducible results.
  • Calculations: detailed formulas are provided for calculating the water vapor transmission rate, expressed in units like g/m²/day or g/100 in²/day.
  • Report: ASTM E96 outlines the essential information to be included in the test report, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the test procedure and results.

ASTM E96 Accredited Laboratory

Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the ASTM E96 standard.

Contact us today to discuss your specific testing requirements and receive a customized quote.

Resources

Keywords

water vapor transmission; permeance; permeability; water vapor transmission rate; test methods; materials testing; steady-state method; desiccant method; infrared method; gravimetric method; cup method; film; sheet; barrier materials; moisture analysis