{"id":3179,"date":"2026-07-25T11:38:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T03:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kilitlipedal.com\/blog\/?p=3179"},"modified":"2026-07-25T11:38:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T03:38:20","slug":"what-is-the-oxygen-transmission-rate-of-plastic-film-4291-c1e04c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.kilitlipedal.com\/blog\/2026\/07\/25\/what-is-the-oxygen-transmission-rate-of-plastic-film-4291-c1e04c\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the oxygen transmission rate of plastic film?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a supplier in the plastic film industry, I’ve been frequently asked about the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic film. It’s a fundamental property that plays a crucial role in various applications, from food packaging to electronics protection. In this blog post, I’ll delve into what the oxygen transmission rate of plastic film is, why it matters, how it’s measured, and factors that affect it. Plastic Film<\/a><\/p>\n

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What is the Oxygen Transmission Rate of Plastic Film?<\/h3>\n

The oxygen transmission rate of plastic film refers to the quantity of oxygen gas that permeates through a given area of the film under specific conditions of temperature and relative humidity within a specified time frame. It is typically expressed in units such as cubic centimeters per square meter per day (cm\u00b3\/m\u00b2\/day) or cubic inches per 100 square inches per day (in\u00b3\/100 in\u00b2\/day).<\/p>\n

This measurement is essential because it provides insights into how well a plastic film can act as a barrier to oxygen. A lower OTR indicates that the film is more effective at preventing oxygen from passing through it, which can be crucial for applications where oxygen exposure can lead to spoilage, degradation, or other undesirable effects.<\/p>\n

Why does the Oxygen Transmission Rate Matter?<\/h3>\n

Food Packaging<\/h4>\n

In the food industry, oxygen can cause oxidation of fats, proteins, and other components in food products, leading to changes in flavor, color, and nutritional value. It can also promote the growth of aerobic microorganisms, which can cause spoilage and reduce the shelf – life of food. For example, in the packaging of fresh meats, cheeses, and snack foods, a plastic film with a low OTR is necessary to preserve the quality and freshness of the product. By minimizing oxygen exposure, the film helps to extend the shelf – life of the food, reducing waste and ensuring that consumers receive a high – quality product.<\/p>\n

Electronics<\/h4>\n

In the electronics industry, oxygen can cause corrosion of metal components, which can lead to malfunctions and reduced performance of electronic devices. Plastic films with low OTR are used to protect sensitive electronic components during storage and transportation. For example, in the packaging of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductor chips, a barrier film with good oxygen resistance helps to prevent oxidation of metal parts, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the electronic products.<\/p>\n

Pharmaceuticals<\/h4>\n

Pharmaceutical products are often sensitive to oxygen exposure, which can cause chemical degradation of drugs and reduce their effectiveness. Plastic films with low OTR are used in pharmaceutical packaging to protect drugs from oxygen and maintain their stability. This is particularly important for drugs that are in liquid or solid form and are stored for extended periods of time.<\/p>\n

How is the Oxygen Transmission Rate Measured?<\/h3>\n

There are several methods for measuring the OTR of plastic film. The most common methods are the coulometric method and the manometric method.<\/p>\n

Coulometric Method<\/h4>\n

The coulometric method is based on the principle of electrochemical detection. A test cell is divided into two compartments by the plastic film sample. Oxygen is introduced into one compartment, and it diffuses through the film into the other compartment, where it is detected by a coulometric sensor. The sensor measures the amount of oxygen that passes through the film by generating an electrical current proportional to the oxygen concentration. The OTR is then calculated based on the current generated, the area of the film, and the testing time.<\/p>\n

Manometric Method<\/h4>\n

The manometric method measures the change in pressure due to the permeation of oxygen through the plastic film. A test cell is separated into two chambers by the film. One chamber is filled with oxygen at a known pressure, and the other chamber is initially evacuated. As oxygen diffuses through the film, the pressure in the evacuated chamber increases. The rate of pressure increase is measured, and the OTR is calculated based on the pressure change, the volume of the chamber, the area of the film, and the testing time.<\/p>\n

Factors Affecting the Oxygen Transmission Rate of Plastic Film<\/h3>\n

Polymer Type<\/h4>\n

Different polymers have different inherent oxygen barrier properties. For example, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) has an extremely low OTR, making it an excellent choice for applications that require high – barrier packaging. On the other hand, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) have relatively high OTR values and are often combined with other polymers or coated with barrier materials to improve their oxygen – barrier performance.<\/p>\n

Film Thickness<\/h4>\n

Generally, thicker plastic films have a lower OTR than thinner films. As the thickness of the film increases, the path length for oxygen diffusion through the film becomes longer, which reduces the rate of oxygen permeation. However, increasing the film thickness also increases the cost and weight of the packaging, so a balance needs to be struck between oxygen – barrier performance and other factors such as cost and flexibility.<\/p>\n

Temperature and Relative Humidity<\/h4>\n

Temperature and relative humidity have a significant impact on the OTR of plastic film. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of oxygen molecules increases, which leads to faster diffusion through the film and a higher OTR. Similarly, increasing the relative humidity can also increase the OTR, especially for films that are sensitive to moisture. Moisture can plasticize the polymer, making it more permeable to oxygen.<\/p>\n

Additives and Coatings<\/h4>\n

Additives such as antioxidants and light stabilizers can affect the oxygen – barrier properties of plastic film. Some additives can react with oxygen or prevent oxygen from reaching the polymer matrix, thereby reducing the OTR. Coatings can also be applied to the surface of the film to improve its oxygen – barrier performance. For example, coatings made of materials such as silicon oxide or aluminum oxide can provide an additional barrier layer that reduces oxygen permeation.<\/p>\n

Choosing the Right Plastic Film Based on Oxygen Transmission Rate<\/h3>\n

When selecting a plastic film for a specific application, it’s essential to consider the required OTR. For applications where oxygen exposure needs to be minimized, such as food and pharmaceutical packaging, a film with a low OTR should be chosen. However, other factors such as cost, mechanical properties, and processability also need to be taken into account.<\/p>\n

As a plastic film supplier, I can help customers choose the most suitable film for their needs. We offer a wide range of plastic films with different oxygen – barrier properties, thicknesses, and other characteristics. Our technical team can provide detailed information on the OTR of our films and help customers determine the best film for their specific application.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

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The oxygen transmission rate of plastic film is a critical property that affects its performance in various applications. Understanding what OTR is, how it’s measured, and the factors that influence it is essential for choosing the right plastic film for a specific use. Whether you’re in the food, electronics, or pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that your packaging has the appropriate oxygen – barrier properties can help to preserve the quality and integrity of your products.<\/p>\n

Plastic Film<\/a> If you’re interested in learning more about our plastic films and their oxygen – barrier properties, or if you have specific requirements for your packaging needs, I encourage you to reach out. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in finding the perfect plastic film solution. Contact us to start a conversation about your plastic film procurement and let’s work together to meet your business goals.<\/p>\n

References<\/h3>\n