ASTM D3833/D3833M-96(2019)

Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The results of this test method will indicate the relative permeability by water vapor of the tape through its smallest dimension (generally normal to the tape's backing).  
5.1.1 The pathway for the water vapor parallel to the adhesive-cup interface is great compared to the tape's thickness and the latter is usually the nearly exclusive source of transmitted vapor.  
5.1.2 Some tape types allow a relatively free path in a direction normal to the backing or along backing pathways parallel to the adhesive-cup interface allowing the adhesive to become the principal barrier.  
5.2 If the adhesive does not continue to adhere to the cup flange during the exposure periods allowing unintended pathways for water vapor to occur, the measurement should be considered as not having been made. Consequently, the tape might be considered as being inappropriate for use on surfaces like the cup flange under moisture conditions approximating those of the test.
Note 1: It may be that the interest is simply in the tape material as a water vapor barrier. In this case, how well the tape adheres to the cup flange may be of little consequence, and steps to prevent any edge effects are in order. These are referred to in Section 10.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers one procedure for measuring the water vapor transmission rate of pressure-sensitive tape.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2019
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.14 - Tape and Labels

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3833/D3833M-96(2011) - Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-23 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2019) - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-14 - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-13 - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-12 - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2011) - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-10 - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007

Overview

ASTM D3833/D3833M-96(2019) is an internationally recognized standard test method developed by ASTM International for measuring the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of pressure-sensitive tapes. This standard defines a precise procedure for evaluating the permeability of tapes to water vapor, providing valuable data for quality control and product selection where moisture barriers are critical. ASTM D3833/D3833M follows globally accepted principles established by the World Trade Organization's TBT Committee, ensuring its relevance for international markets and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR): The standard outlines how to measure the rate at which water vapor passes through pressure-sensitive tapes, especially focusing on transmission through the smallest dimension, typically normal (perpendicular) to the tape backing.
• Test Methodology: The method consists of attaching the tape to a test cup containing a desiccant, exposing the setup to a controlled high-humidity environment, and monitoring the weight increase over a specified time. This gain is used to calculate the WVTR.
• Specimen Preparation and Sampling: Guidance is given for specimen dimensions, preparation techniques, and the recommended number of specimens to ensure representative and statistically valid results.
• Performance Evaluation: The method also addresses factors influencing water vapor barrier performance, such as adhesive continuity, tape material, and potential pathways for vapor transmission.
• Precision and Reporting: The standard includes recommendations for documenting test conditions, sample sources, results, and the presence or absence of edge sealing.

Applications

ASTM D3833/D3833M is applied across sectors where pressure-sensitive tapes serve as barriers to moisture transmission. Key applications include:

• Packaging Protection: Assessing tapes used to seal packages and containers, ensuring protection of sensitive goods from moisture ingress.
• Construction Materials: Verifying the suitability of tapes as vapor barriers for building wraps, insulation, and joint sealing under humid conditions.
• Electronics and Industrial Assembly: Evaluating tapes for moisture-sensitive components or assemblies where maintaining dryness is critical for product reliability and lifespan.
• Quality Assurance: Enabling manufacturers to benchmark product performance and ensure batch-to-batch consistency in water vapor transmission properties.
• Research & Development: Supporting the comparative analysis of new pressure-sensitive tape formulations and adhesives designed for high-barrier applications.

Related Standards

Several standards complement ASTM D3833/D3833M in evaluating packaging, labeling, and barrier properties:

• ASTM D996: Terminology relating to packaging and distribution environments.
• ASTM D3715/D3715M: Practice for quality assurance of pressure-sensitive tapes.
• ASTM D4332: Practice for conditioning containers, packages, or packaging components for testing.
• ASTM E96/E96M: Test methods for water vapor transmission of materials, suitable for other material types and configurations.
• ASTM E122: Practice for calculating sample sizes for estimating averages or characteristics of lots or processes.

Practical Value

By following ASTM D3833/D3833M, organizations can:

• Optimize Tape Selection: Choose tapes that deliver sufficient moisture protection for their specific application.
• Benchmark and Certify Products: Compare products against international standards, facilitating market access and regulatory compliance.
• Diagnose Performance Issues: Identify potential failures due to adhesive breakdown, improper sealing, or tape formulation flaws.
• Enhance Product Development: Advance innovation in pressure-sensitive tapes with empirical data on water vapor barrier performance.

Keywords: ASTM D3833, water vapor transmission, pressure-sensitive tape, WVTR, packaging moisture barrier, adhesive tape testing, international standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3833/D3833M − 96 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Water Vapor Transmission of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3833/D3833M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers one procedure for measuring
3.1 Definitions—General terms in this test method are de-
the water vapor transmission rate of pressure-sensitive tape.
fined in Terminology D996.
1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to
4. Summary of Test Method
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
4.1 The pressure-sensitive tape is secured by its adhesive to
must be used independently, without combining values in any
a test cup containing a desiccant. The assembly is exposed to
way.
a controlled atmosphere and weighed after two intervals of that
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
exposure. The gain in weight is used to calculate the water
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
vapor transmission rate (WVTR).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 The results of this test method will indicate the relative
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
permeability by water vapor of the tape through its smallest
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
dimension (generally normal to the tape’s backing).
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1.1 The pathway for the water vapor parallel to the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
adhesive-cup interface is great compared to the tape’s thick-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ness and the latter is usually the nearly exclusive source of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
transmitted vapor.
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.2 Some tape types allow a relatively free path in a
2.1 ASTM Standards: direction normal to the backing or along backing pathways
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ- parallel to the adhesive-cup interface allowing the adhesive to
ments become the principal barrier.
D3715/D3715M Practice for QualityAssurance of Pressure-
5.2 If the adhesive does not continue to adhere to the cup
Sensitive Tapes
flange during the exposure periods allowing unintended path-
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
ways for water vapor to occur, the measurement should be
Packaging Components for Testing
considered as not having been made. Consequently, the tape
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
might be considered as being inappropriate for use on surfaces
Materials
like the cup flange under moisture conditions approximating
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
those of the test.
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
Lot or Process
NOTE 1—It may be that the interest is simply in the tape material as a
water vapor barrier. In this case, how well the tape adheres to the cup
flange may be of little consequence, and steps to prevent any edge effects
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
are in order. These are referred to in Section 10.
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.14 on Tape and
Labels.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D3833/D3833M – 96
(2011). DOI: 10.1520/D3833_D3833M-96R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3833/D3833M − 96 (2019)
6. Apparatus 9. Conditioning
6.1 Test Cups, made from materials that are nonhygro- 9.1 Weigh in the standard conditioning atmosphere as de-
scribed in Practice D4332.
scopic. The cup shall have a zero WVTR. The cups shall be
rectangular with a flat, smooth, rigid flange, and shall have the
10. Procedure
following dimensions:
Flange:
10.1 Prepare each specimen assembly individually.
Outside–50.8 by 152.4 ± 0.5 mm [2.0 by 6.0 ± 0.02 in.]
Inside (opening) –25.4 by 101.6 ± 0.5 mm [1.0 by 4.0 ± 0.02 in.] 10.2 Fill the test cup to within approximately 3 mm [ ⁄8 in.]
Body:
of the opening with the anhydrous calcium chloride and make
Inside–25.4 by 101.6 by 38.1 (depth) ± 0.5 mm [1.0 by 4.0 by 1.5 (depth) ±
sure it will not come into contact with the adhesive of the
0.02 in.]
specimen.
The mass shall not exceed 80 % of the balance capacity used
10.3 Apply the specimen to the flange, adhesive against it,
in weighing.
allowingnobubblesorwrinkles.Usefingerpressuretoachieve
6.2 Calcium Chloride, anhydrous, passing a No. 8 (2.36-
this. When the sample material is larger than the specimen
mm) sieve.
dimension trim it to the edges of the flange.
NOTE 2—Regenerate calcium chloride to a sufficiently anhydrous state
10.3.1 When the adhesive is lacking or has insufficient
by heating it for2hat approximately 200°C [392°F].
bonding strength to the flange to maintain a seal during the
exposure period, and when the parties concerned are interested
6.3 Test Chamber,controlledat90to95 %relativehumidity
exclusively in the barrier properties for pathways normal to the
at 38 6 1°C [100.0 6 2.0°F].The air shall be circulated within
surface of the tape backing, a sealing material such as
the chamber to provide uniform conditions for all specimens
aluminum foil-backed pressure-sensitive tape can provide
and shall give no visible condensation on the test cups.
assurance that only the 25.4 by 101.6-mm [1.0 by 4.0-in.] a
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