ASTM F2476
CARBON DIOXIDE TRANSMISSION RATE (CO₂TR) TEST METHOD

Equivalent to ISO 15105-2 and DIN 53380-4

Standard Test Method for the Determination of Carbon Dioxide Gas Transmission Rate (CO₂TR) Through Barrier Materials Using an Infrared Detector

Where Used

Evaluate materials and finished packages for their barrier characteristics to carbon dioxide. The method is used to optimize a product’s shelf-life or use-life and helps with choosing and developing the most appropriate materials.

Description

This test method analyzes the amount of carbon dioxide that is permeating through a flat film (such as the sidewall of a pouch) or package (such as a full pouch, tubing or a carbonated soft drink bottle).

• One side of the sample is exposed to a known carbon dioxide gas concentration (usually 100% CO₂), while the other side of the sample is swept by a dry nitrogen carrier gas. 
• Any transmitting carbon dioxide through the material or package is swept by the nitrogen gas to a pressure modulated infra-red detector, where the carbon dioxide concentration is quantified.
• This carbon dioxide level is reported as a carbon dioxide transmission rate.
• For more details about ASTM F2476, please visit the ASTM website.

Method Schematic and Instrumentation

Note

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Results

The transmission rate output is a graph of CO₂TR vs time (which is key to verifying equilibrium) and data report.  Transmission rate test duration can range from a few hours to a few weeks, depending upon the material’s barrier characteristics and test environment.

Download the ASTM F2476 Note