Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies a procedure for the determination of air permeability based on the measurement of the gas flow rate, establishes general principles, and gives guidelines for performance of measurements. The air permeability is applicable for plastic films, artificial leathers, pieces of plastics, foam board and elastic porous plastics.

Purpose

Porous plastics, foam materials, and similar products are widely used in packaging, medical, construction, and other fields. Their air permeability directly impacts product functionality (e.g., food preservation efficacy, medical protective performance) and durability (e.g., moisture resistance of thermal insulation materials in construction). However, the testing of air permeability for porous plastics and foam materials has long suffered from insufficient testing equipment and the absence of unified, precise methodologies, leading to inconsistent product quality and even potential safety risks.

Standardized testing methods provide a scientific foundation for material research, development, and production. By quantifying air permeability, enterprises can optimize material formulations and structural designs, thereby driving innovation in high-permeability and eco-friendly materials. For instance, in the packaging industry, accurate testing facilitates the development of smart films that extend food shelf life.

 Therefore, to ensure product quality and public health, address technical trade barriers proactively, enhance China’s testing capabilities for latex products, and promote overall product quality improvement, the establishment of this standard is imperative.