ISO 287 Plastics Packaging Moisture Regain Testing
The ISO 287 standard is specifically designed to measure the moisture regain of plastics used in packaging applications. This test is crucial for ensuring that packaging materials do not absorb excessive amounts of moisture, which can lead to changes in physical properties such as tensile strength and modulus, as well as alterations in dimensions.
The procedure involves conditioning a sample under controlled humidity conditions and then drying it at specific temperatures until equilibrium is reached. The difference between the initial mass and final mass after reaching this equilibrium state represents the moisture regain. This value provides insight into how much water vapor the material can absorb from its environment, which is vital for predicting shelf life and ensuring that packaging remains intact during transport.
Understanding moisture regain helps manufacturers optimize their formulations to achieve desired performance characteristics while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. For instance, certain types of packaging need to maintain a barrier against humidity to protect contents from spoilage or damage due to moisture intrusion.
The test method outlined in ISO 287 is straightforward but requires precise control over environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity. Specimens must be conditioned for an appropriate period before testing begins, typically around 168 hours (one week), depending on the material type.
Once conditioned, samples are weighed accurately to establish their starting mass. They are then placed in a desiccator or similar device where they can equilibrate with dry air at specified temperatures until no further weight change occurs over several consecutive measurements. After achieving equilibrium, the specimens are dried again using forced hot air until constant weight is obtained.
The moisture regain percentage is calculated by comparing the difference between these two final weights to the initial conditioned mass of each specimen piece. Compliance with ISO 287 ensures that packaging materials perform consistently across various environments and helps prevent issues related to moisture-related degradation during storage or use.
Performing this test according to the ISO 287 standard not only aids in meeting regulatory standards but also supports ongoing quality control efforts by providing critical data on material behavior under different conditions. By understanding how much water vapor a given plastic packaging can absorb, manufacturers can better predict potential problems and implement necessary adjustments to improve product performance.
Industry Applications
| Application Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Packaging Industry | Determining the moisture regain of packaging plastics ensures they remain intact during transport and storage. |
| Food Packaging | Evaluating moisture regain helps prevent food spoilage by ensuring proper barrier properties against humidity. |
| Cosmetics and Personal Care Products | Ensuring packaging integrity reduces the risk of product contamination or deterioration due to excessive moisture absorption. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Protecting medications from environmental factors like humidity is essential for maintaining efficacy and safety. |
| Electronics Manufacturing | Preventing condensation inside electronic components enhances reliability and extends product lifespan. |
International Acceptance and Recognition
- The ISO 287 standard is widely adopted globally as the gold standard for measuring moisture regain in plastics.
- This standard has been recognized by numerous regulatory bodies worldwide, including the European Union (EU) and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Compliance with ISO 287 demonstrates a commitment to quality and reliability that is respected internationally.
Use Cases and Application Examples
- Polyethylene (PE) Films: Testing moisture regain helps ensure proper sealing properties for bags or wraps used in food packaging.
- Polypropylene (PP) Containers: Evaluating moisture regain is essential for containers that store chemical products requiring a barrier against humidity.
- Ethylene Vinyl Aluminate (EVA): Ensuring adequate moisture barrier properties is critical for EVA-based films used in food packaging to extend shelf life.
- Polyester Films: Moisture regain testing ensures that polyester-based films maintain their clarity and strength during use.
