**PE Plastic Wrap Oxygen Permeability Testing Using the VAC-V2 Differential Pressure Gas Permeation Instrument**
Plastic wrap is a common plastic packaging material used to keep food fresh. It can be safely used in microwave ovens and stored in refrigerators, which makes it essential for maintaining food quality. One of the key properties required for this type of packaging is high oxygen permeability, allowing the package to regulate internal gas levels and preserve freshness effectively.
In this study, the Labthink VAC-V2 differential pressure gas permeation instrument was used to evaluate the oxygen barrier performance of PE (polyethylene) cling film. The testing process, principles, and equipment parameters are detailed below. This method provides a reliable way to assess the oxygen transmission rate (OTR), which is crucial for determining the effectiveness of the packaging in preserving food.
**1. Overview of Plastic Wrap Films**
Currently, plastic wrap is primarily made from ethylene-based polymers and is widely used in households, supermarkets, restaurants, and industrial food packaging. Depending on the materials and additives, there are three main types of cling films: PE (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride).
- **PE Cling Film**: Safe for food contact, suitable for wrapping fruits, vegetables, and semi-finished products. It can be heated in a microwave oven up to 110°C.
- **PVC Cling Film**: Although commonly used, it contains harmful substances that may pose health risks.
- **PVDC Cling Film**: Ideal for cooked foods and processed meats due to its excellent barrier properties.
Among these, PE and PVDC are considered safe for human use, while PVC should be avoided due to potential carcinogens.
**2. Testing Standards**
The primary standard for measuring oxygen permeability of flexible packaging materials in China is GB/T 1038, which outlines the differential pressure method. Another relevant standard is GB/T 19789, which uses the coulomb method. In this study, the differential pressure method was adopted based on GB/T 1038.
**3. Test Sample**
A sample of PE cling film produced by a local manufacturer was selected for testing.
**4. Testing Equipment**
The test was conducted using the **VAC-V2 differential pressure gas permeation instrument**, developed by Jinan Languang Electromechanical Technology Co., Ltd. This device is designed to measure gas permeability through various materials, including plastics, paper, and composite films.
**4.1 Test Principle**
The VAC-V2 works on the principle of differential pressure. A pre-treated sample is placed between two chambers. The lower chamber is evacuated, and then a controlled pressure is applied to the upper chamber. This creates a pressure gradient across the sample, causing gas to permeate through it. The resulting pressure change in the lower chamber is measured and used to calculate the oxygen transmission rate.
**4.2 Application Scope**
The VAC-V2 is suitable for testing a wide range of materials, including:
- Plastic films, paper-plastic composites, aluminized films, and aluminum foil.
- Sheets made of engineering plastics, rubber, and building materials.
- Gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and even flammable or explosive gases (with proper modifications).
It supports international standards like ISO 15105-1, ASTM D1434, and GB/T 1038.
**4.3 Equipment Parameters**
- **Test Range**: 0.05 ~ 50,000 cm³/m²·24h·0.1MPa
- **Number of Samples**: 3 (independent data)
- **Temperature Range**: 5°C to 95°C (±0.1°C accuracy)
- **Humidity Range**: 0%RH to 100%RH (±1% RH accuracy)
- **Supports toxic and flammable gas testing (with modification)**
- **Data fitting at any temperature** for accurate results under extreme conditions
- **Lystem™** – A laboratory data management system for centralized test result tracking
**5. Test Procedure**
1. Cut three samples with a diameter of Φ97 mm.
2. Clamp the samples into the three test chambers of the VAC-V2.
3. Input sample details, thickness, temperature, and humidity settings.
4. Start the vacuum pump.
5. Click “Start Test†to begin the measurement. The instrument automatically calculates and displays the results.
**6. Test Results**
The oxygen transmission rates obtained were:
- 49.3704 cm³/m²·24h·0.1MPa
- 48.1021 cm³/m²·24h·0.1MPa
- 48.2883 cm³/m²·24h·0.1MPa
**7. Conclusion**
The VAC-V2 differential pressure gas permeation instrument is an efficient and accurate tool for evaluating the oxygen barrier performance of plastic films. Its user-friendly design, high precision, and repeatability make it ideal for quality control in packaging industries.
As a leading provider of packaging inspection equipment, Labthink offers advanced testing solutions to ensure product safety and compliance worldwide. This method provides valuable insights into the performance of PE cling film and serves as a reference for manufacturers and researchers alike.
The push in terminal the benefit of using this type of terminal block connection is a tool-free connection this allows operators to easily remove and reinsert wire without the need for any type of tool foe the wire that's used on a PIT or push in terminal connection. We to make sure that we're using a ferrule . The ferrule allows for the connection to work properly and seat properly .We simply take the wire with a ferrule connected .We insert it into the push in terminal make sure it is seated fully and there we have a fully and there we have fully seated safe secure connect.
Screw Wire End Terminals,Din Rail Pluggable Terminal Block,DIN Terminal Block,DIN Rail Terminals
Wonke Electric CO.,Ltd. , https://www.wkdq-electric.com