MVTR (moisture vapour

transmission)
By Vijaykumar Sakhare
 Definition
• Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) or Moisture Vapor
Transmission Rate (MVTR) is the rate at which water vapor will
permeate through solid material over a specific period of time.
• When referring to packaging, WVTR is the rate at which water vapors
will permeate the package wall.
Need of Measuring MVTR/WVTR
• WVTR is a critical parameter in various industries, from packaging
and construction to electronics and textiles.
• a high percentage of APIs sensitive to moisture, the moisture-barrier
characteristic of pharmaceutical.
• All polymers are permeable to gases and vapors to different extents.
• MVTR is measured in in g/m2/Day per container

 WVTR Testing Standards

ASTM E96/E96M
ISO15106
TAPPI T 448
ASTM D 1653
 WVTR Measurement Methods
Gravimetric Method
Measures the weight change of a sample over time in a controlled
environment.
Desiccant Method
Tracks the increase in weight of a desiccant material as it absorbs water vapor.
Infrared Detection
Uses infrared sensors to continuously monitor and analyze the water vapor
transmission.
 Gravimetric Method

SAMPLE PREPRATION
The test material is sealed over a cup containing a desiccant.

Weight Measurement
The weight of the assembly is monitored over time to calculate the WVTR.

Controlled Environment
The assembly is placed in a chamber with temperature and humidity controls.
Desiccant Method

Sample Preparation
The test material is sealed over a cup
containing a desiccant.

Weight Monitoring
The weight of the desiccant is continuously
measured as it absorbs water vapor

WVTR Calculation
The rate of weight increase is used to
calculate the water vapor transmission rate
 Infrared Detection Method

Real-Time Monitoring
Infrared sensors continuously measure
the water vapor concentration in the test
chamber.
Versatile Setups
Infrared WVTR testing can
accommodate a wide range of sample
sizes and materials.
Factors Affecting WVTR Measurement

1. Temperature
2. Humidity
3. Air Flow
4. Material Thickness
THANK YOU