The O₂GTR is an important determinant of the packaging protection afforded by barrier materials. It is not, however, the sole determinant, and additional tests, based on experience, must be used to correlate packaging performance with O₂GTR. It is suitable as a referee method of testing, provided that the purchaser and the seller have agreed on sampling procedures, standardization procedures, test conditions, and acceptance criteria.

Limited statistical data on correlations with Test Method D 1434 methods are available³ ; however, the oxygen transmission rate of a standard reference material (see 12.1) as determined manometrically by NIST, is in good agreement with the values obtained in the coulometric interlaboratory test using material from the same manufacturing lot. Thus, this test method may be used as a referee method.

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determination of the steady-state rate of transmission of oxygen gas through plastics in the form of film, sheeting, laminates, coextrusions, or plastic-coated papers or fabrics. It provides for the determination of (1) oxygen gas transmission rate (O2GTR), (2) the permeance of the film to oxygen gas (PO2), and ( 3) oxygen permeability coefficient (P'O2) in the case of homogeneous materials.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 This test method does not purport to be the only method for measurement of O2GTR. There may be other methods of O2GTR determination that use other oxygen sensors and procedures.