DIN 53122-1 Determination of Water Vapor Permeability of Plastic and Elastomer Films, Papers, Cardboard and Other Sheet Materials - Part 1: Gravimetric Method

The standard “DIN 53122-1 Testing of plastic and elastomer films, papers, cardboard and other sheet materials - Determination of water vapor permeability - Part 1: Gravimetric method”, published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), describes a test method for determining water vapor permeability using the gravimetric method.

The DIN 53122-1 standard includes a gravimetric test method for measuring the water vapor permeability ratio (WVTR), also known as the moisture vapor permeability ratio (MVTR), of sheet-like materials. This standard provides a reliable, conventional method for measuring how easily water vapor passes through flat materials. This method is widely applied in quality control and material development in industries such as:

• Packaging (for food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and wherever controlling the entry or exit of moisture is critical)
• Plastic and polymer films
• Paper, cardboard and corrugated cardboard
• Rubber sheets and elastomers
• Coated textiles or other barrier materials

High-barrier materials (e.g., aluminum foil laminates) typically exhibit very low water vapor permeability rates (<0,1–1 g/m²/day), while more permeable materials such as paper or some plastics can exceed 10–50 g/m²/day.

This test method relies on weight change (gravimetry) to determine the amount of water vapor passing through the test sample. Two common configurations exist (often referred to as dry cup and wet cup):

• Method A (most common for barrier materials): The test specimen is sealed in a container containing a strong desiccant (dry side, e.g., calcium chloride or silica gel). The container is placed in a controlled high-humidity environment (typically 85 or 90 percent relative humidity at 23 degrees or 38 degrees). Water vapor from the environment diffuses through the material into the container, causing the container to gain weight over time.
• Method B (for materials with higher permeability): The container is filled with water (wet side, 100% relative humidity inside) and the outside is controlled at a lower humidity. The water evaporates and diffuses outwards, causing the container to lose weight.

This process generally follows these steps:

• Circular or defined area test specimens are prepared and conditioned.
• The sample container is tightly sealed (wax, grease, or mechanical compression is used to prevent leaks).
• The test setup is subjected to constant temperature and relative humidity conditions in a climate chamber.
• The containers are weighed periodically (daily or at defined intervals) until a constant linear weight variation is obtained.
• The water vapor transmission ratio (WVTR) is calculated from the slope of the weight-time curve.

Transmission rate is generally expressed in g/(m²·day) (grams of water vapor per square meter/day), normalized to the reference thickness, for homogeneous materials.

In terms of test conditions, temperature and humidity are precisely defined (e.g., tropical conditions such as 23 degrees Celsius with 85 percent relative humidity or 38 degrees Celsius with 90 percent relative humidity).

In terms of stabilization time, materials must reach a stable diffusion state (typically days to weeks for good barriers).

In terms of sensitivity and sources of error, edge effects, poor sealing, temperature fluctuations, or non-homogeneous materials can affect the results.

This method is suitable for a wide range of water vapor permeability values, from very low (high barrier foils) to high values. For ultra-low permeabilities, the DIN 53122-2 standard (carrier gas/manometric or electrolytic methods) or the ISO 15106 standard can be preferred.

The capping method is very similar to ASTM E96 (Procedure A or B), ISO 2528, JIS Z 0208, and TAPPI T 464 standards. Many modern devices also claim to be compliant with the DIN 53122-1 standard.

Although still used as a reference, particularly in Europe, for some older specifications, many laboratories now employ faster sensor-based methods (e.g., ISO 15106-1/2/3 infrared, electrolytic, or modulated infrared sensors) for routine testing. However, gravimetric cup methods remain the reference technique for verification and for materials with very low or very high transmission rates.

In short, the DIN 53122-1 standard describes a method for determining the thickness of paper and cardboard using mechanical measurement under specific conditions. Accurate thickness measurement is crucial for density and volume calculations and quality control in the paper production and converting industries.

This standard defines:

• Measuring device specifications
• Pressure applied during measurement
• Sample preparation and conditioning
• Reporting requirements

Thickness is determined by placing a paper or cardboard sample between two parallel measuring surfaces under specific pressure. The vertical distance between the surfaces is recorded as the material thickness.

The equipment used in the tests typically consists of the following:

• A flat anvil (measuring surface)
• A movable presser foot.
• Fixed load mechanism
• Sensitivity indicator (analog or digital)

The DIN 53122-1 standard specifies rigorous test parameters to ensure repeatability:

• Samples should be conditioned in a standard atmosphere. This prevents dimensional changes related to moisture.
• This standard defines the contact pressure between the measurement surfaces and the sample. The pressure must be controlled because:
• Too much pressure compresses the paper.
• Too little pressure results in inconsistent readings.
• To ensure consistent clamping characteristics, the diameter and contact surface area of ​​the presser foot are standardized.

Multiple measurements are taken at different locations, and the arithmetic mean is reported.

The DIN 53122-1 standard is widely used in the following areas:

• Quality control in paper production.
• Packaging carton production
• Printing paper specification verification
• Research and development laboratories
• Suitability tests for commercial transactions

Industries such as packaging, publishing, and specialty paper manufacturing rely on standardized thickness measurements to ensure performance consistency.

Thickness directly affects the following:

• Hardness and rigidity
• Printability
• Opacity
• Volume and density
• Folding behavior
• Die-cutting performance

In conclusion, the DIN 53122-1 standard provides a precise, repeatable, and internationally harmonized method for determining the thickness of paper and cardboard.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the DIN 53122-1 standard.