How to test the moisture resistance of the flexible package for anti-influenza granules?

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The anti-influenza granules are usually packed in unit-dose package, which is convenient to the patients. In order to avoid quality problems such as caking and mildewing, the moisture contained in the anti-influenza granules shall be minimized. Since the surface area of the anti-influenza granule is relatively large, it is liable to absorb moisture. If it is stored in an improper way, those quality problems mentioned above may occur to the product. Therefore, it is necessary to store the anti-influenza granule in a low humidity environment. In addition, the packaging material used for the anti-influenza granules must have sufficient moisture barrier property so that the quality of the products can be guaranteed within the shelf life.

The common packaging materials for anti-influenza granules include plastic composite film, aluminized plastic composite film and aluminum plastic composite film, etc. The products will be packed inside the packaging bags and then placed in paper box for storage and transportation.

This article provides a simplified test method of the moisture permeability of the packaging films used for anti-influenza granules. The test specimens are plastic composite films provided by one brand anti-influenza granule manufacturer. The testing instrument is Labthink’s W3/031 Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tester.

Figure 1. Packaging Films, Packaging Films & Paper Boxes for Anti-influenza Granules

Currently there are mainly two categories of test methods for water vapor transmission rate i.e. gravimetric method (also known as cup method and divided into dry cup method and wet cup method) and sensor method (including electrolytic sensor method, infrared sensor method and humidity sensor method).

Labthink W3/031 Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tester adopts gravimetric method.

The tests shall be performed according to the following procedures.

(1)    Cut 3 pieces of specimens from the provided sample material. The diameter of the specimen shall be 74mm.

(2)    Mount the 3 specimens in 3 test dishes respectively. Then place the test dishes on the dish supports which are seated inside the instrument. Then close the door.

(3)    Set test temperature, humidity, specimen thickness and other test parameters in the software interface. Then click Test to start test.

(4)    The system will calculate the test results automatically after tests.

Figure 2. Mount Specimen

For more details about W3/031 Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tester, please visit www.labthink.com

About Labthink Instruments Co., Ltd:

Labthink Instruments Co., Ltd is one leading supplier of packaging testing instruments, which is headquartered in Jinan, China and operated in Boston, U.S.A.