Skip to main content

Simulating Real-World Stresses: Flex Durability and Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Testing for Aluminum Plastic Composite (APC) Film


Aluminum plastic composite film (APCF) is a popular choice for pharmaceutical packaging due to its excellent barrier properties against moisture and oxygen. This helps extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of sensitive medications. However, the film's effectiveness can be compromised during various stages like forming, filling, sealing, and transportation. This article discusses the importance of testing the moisture barrier property of APC film after simulating these stresses.


 

APCF typically consists of layers of plastic film bonded to a central aluminum layer. The aluminum acts as the primary barrier against moisture vapor transmission (MVTR). However, flexing the film during processing can create pinholes or weaknesses in the aluminum layer, allowing moisture to penetrate and potentially degrade the pharmaceuticals.

To ensure the integrity of the moisture barrier, manufacturers and users perform water vapor permeability (WVP) tests on APC film samples. These tests are conducted after subjecting the film to a flex durability test, mimicking the stresses encountered during real-world scenarios.

Flex Durability Test (ASTM F392): This standard outlines the procedure for simulating flexing experienced by packaging materials. Specimens of the APC film are mounted in a Labthink C681M Flex Durability Tester. The tester applies a combination of twisting and horizontal motions for a specified duration (e.g., 6 minutes or 270 cycles) at standard atmospheric conditions (23°C and 50% relative humidity).


 

After the flex durability test, the WVP of the stressed film samples is measured using a Labthink C360M Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tester for a water vapor transmission rate test. This instrument employs a gravimetric method (cup method) where a specific amount of water is placed in a dish. The APC film sample is then mounted on the dish, creating a sealed chamber. The entire assembly is placed in a controlled environment, and the amount of water vapor permeating through the film over time is measured. The instrument automatically conducts the test and provides the final WVP result.



 

By measuring the WVP after the flex durability test, manufacturers and users can evaluate the effectiveness of the APC film in maintaining its moisture barrier properties under real-world stresses; ensure the film meets the WVP requirements for specific pharmaceutical packaging applications; and identify any potential weaknesses in the film's structure or manufacturing process that could compromise its moisture barrier performance.

Regular testing with these instruments helps ensure the ongoing quality and effectiveness of APC film in protecting pharmaceuticals from moisture-related degradation throughout the product lifecycle.



As the demand for functional packaging materials grows, testing methods are evolving to ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of packaging films.

Labthink encourages collaboration with packaging industry companies for quality control! Visit the website www.labthink.com to learn more!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Moisture Resistance Testing of Thermal Conductive Silica Gel Pads

Thermal conductive silica gel pads, crucial components in electronic devices, require effective moisture resistance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This article delves into a comprehensive testing method for evaluating the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of these pads. Electronic components are sensitive to moisture, which can lead to corrosion, short circuits, and reduced reliability. Thermal conductive silica gel pads, often used to facilitate heat dissipation between electronic chips and radiators, play a vital role in preventing moisture ingress. Their moisture resistance properties directly impact the protection of sensitive internal components. The electrolytic sensor method, a widely recognized standard, is employed to measure the WVTR of thermal conductive silica gel pads. This technique involves creating a controlled environment with a high humidity chamber on one side and a low humidity chamber on the other. A sample of the thermal conductive silica gel pad ...

Quality Requirements of Lithium Ion Battery Separators

Business Challenge Lithium-ion batteries have one of the best energy-to-weight ratios, no memory effect, and a slow loss of charge when not in use. This makes them one of the most popular types of batteries for portable consumer electronics in today’s marketplace. Lithium-ion batteries can be found in cameras, laptops, power tools, toys and more. However, as recent well-publicized recalls demonstrate, they can pose a risk of fire and overheating. In addition, they can suffer from a reduced lifespan if not properly treated. As a result, new and stricter requirements are being implemented globally to address potential hazards, leaving manufacturers and purchasers of products containing lithium-ion batteries to meet increasing requirements and overcome safety concerns. Lithium Ion Battery Separators A Lithium Ion battery Separator is a permeable membrane placed between the anode and cathode of a battery. The main function of a separator is to keep the positive and negative electr...

Introducing Vacuum Decay Testing Method for Pharmaceutical Packaging Integrity

Maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical packaging is fundamentally essential for safeguarding product efficacy and patient safety, and vacuum decay testing stands as a highly reliable non-destructive method for verifying this integrity. This technique, particularly effective for blister packs, vials, and pre-filled syringes, identifies leaks without compromising product sterility or efficacy. Vacuum decay testing leverages the principle that a sealed package, when subjected to a vacuum, will exhibit predictable pressure changes if it's leak-free. Conversely, a leaking package will show a different pressure profile. Specific Vacuum Decay Techniques:   Differential Pressure Transducers: These precise sensors measure the difference in pressure between the vacuum chamber and a reference chamber. This allows for detection of very small leaks. Absolute Pressure Sensors: These sensors measure the absolute pressure within the vacuum chamber, providing data to determine the rate of pres...