Permeability Properties of Plastics and Elastomers
- 5th Edition - April 16, 2026
- Latest edition
- Author: Laurence W. McKeen
- Language: English
Permeability properties are essential data for the selection of materials and design of products across a broad range of market sectors from food packaging to automotive… Read more
World Book Day celebration
Where learning shapes lives
Up to 25% off trusted resources that support research, study, and discovery.
Description
Description
Permeability properties are essential data for the selection of materials and design of products across a broad range of market sectors from food packaging to automotive applications to medical devices. In its fourth edition, Permeability Properties of Plastics and Elastomers is a comprehensive resource that brings together a wealth of permeability data in a form that enables quick like-for-like comparisons between materials. Authored by industry insider Larry McKeen, the book is structured with four introductory chapters followed by detailed chapters organized by plastic type. Each chapter includes a manufacturer and trade name list, applications and uses list, as well as tabular and graphical data. It features explanatory text aimed at making the content accessible and the data is supported by a full explanation of its interpretation. This book is a valuable resource for professionals in the field looking to stay up-to-date on the latest permeability information and its application in various industries.
Key features
Key features
- Provides a unique collection of permeability data designed to enable quick like-for-like comparisons between different materials
- Includes a databank that evaluates permeation performance across over 60 generic plastic families
- Presents an essential reference for materials engineers, design engineers and applications engineers across sectors, including packaging, automotive, and medical devices
Readership
Readership
Engineers, chemists, industrial professionals, and manufacturers involved in packaging, automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and other industries, as well as those working with coatings, polymer membranes, and related applications
Table of contents
Table of contents
1. Introduction to Permeation of Plastics and Elastomers
1.1. History
1.2. Transport of Gases and Vapors though solid materials
1.2.1. Effusion
1.2.2. Solution-Diffusion and Pore-flow Models
1.2.2.1. Non-Fickian Diffusion
1.2.2.2. Dependence of Permeability, Diffusion and Solubility Pressure
1.2.2.3. Dependence of Permeability, Diffusion and Solubility on Temperature - The Arrhenius Equation
1.3. Multiple layered films
1.4. Permeation of Coatings
1.5. Permeation and Vapor Transmission Testing
1.5.1. Units of measurement
1.5.2. Gas Permeation test cells
1.5.3. Vapor Permeation Cup testing
1.5.4. Mass spectrometry and calibrated standard gas leaks
1.5.5. Standard Tests for permeation and vapor transmission
1.5.6 Permeation testing of coatings
1.5.6.1. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
1.5.6.2. Salt Spray/Humidity
1.5.6.3. Atlas Cell
1.5.6.4. Adhesion
1.5.6.4.1. Instron Peel Test
1.5.6.4.2. Pull-Off Adhesion Tests
1.6. Summary
2. Introduction to Plastics and Polymers
2.1. Polymerization
2.1.1. Addition Polymerization
2.1.2. Condensation Polymerization
2.2. Copolymers
2.3. Linear, Branched and Crosslinked Polymers
2.4. Polarity
2.5. Unsaturation
2.6. Steric Hindrance
2.7. Isomers
2.7.1. Structural isomers
2.7.2. Geometric Isomers
2.7.3. Stereosiomers - Syndiotactic, Isotactic, Atactic
2.8. Inter and Intra molecular attractions in polymers
2.8.1. Hydrogen bonding
2.8.2. Van der Waals forces
2.8.3. Chain entanglement
2.9. General classifications
2.9.1. Molecular Weight
2.9.2. Thermosets vs. Thermoplastics
2.9.3. Crystalline vs. Amorphous
2.9.4. Orientation
2.10. Polymer Compositions
2.10.1. Additives
2.10.1.1. Fillers, Reinforcement, Composites
2.10.1.2. Combustion Modifiers, Fire, Flame Retardants and Smoke Suppressants
2.10.1.3. Release Agents
2.10.1.4. Slip additives/Internal Lubricants
2.10.1.5. Antiblock additives
2.10.1.6. Catalysts
2.10.1.7. Impact Modifiers and Tougheners
2.10.1.8. UV Stabilizers
2.10.1.9. Optical brighteners
2.10.1.10. Plasticizers
2.10.1.11. Pigments, Extenders, Dyes, Mica
2.10.1.12. Coupling Agents
2.10.1.13. Thermal Stabilizers
2.10.1.14. Antistats
2.11. Polymer Nomenclature
2.12. Summary
3. Production of films, containers and membranes
3.1. Extrusion
3.2. Blown Film
3.3. Calendering
3.4. Casting Film Lines
3.5. Post film formation processing
3.6. Web Coating
3.6.1. Gravure Coating
3.6.2. Reverse Roll Coating
3.6.3. Knife On Roll Coating
3.6.4. Metering Rod (Meyer Rod) Coating
3.6.5. Slot Die (Slot, Extrusion) Coating
3.6.6. Immersion (Dip) Coating
3.6.7. Vacuum deposition
3.6.8. Web Coating process summary
3.7. Lamination
3.7.1. Hot Roll/Belt Lamination
3.7.2. Flame Lamination
3.7.3. Orientation
3.7.4. Machine Direction Orientation
3.7.5. Biaxial orientation
3.7.6. Blown film orientation
3.8. Skiving
3.9. Membrane Production
3.10. Molding of Containers
3.10.1. Blow molding
3.10.2. Extrusion blow molding
3.10.3. Injection blow molding
3.10.4. Stretch blow molding
3.10.5. Rotational Molding/Rotomolding
3.11. Fluorination
3.11.1. Permeation testing of fluorinated containers
3.12. Coatings
3.13. Summary
4. Markets and Applications for films, containers and membranes
4.1. Barrier Films in packaging
4.1.1. Water Vapor
4.1.2. Atmospheric Gases
4.1.3. Odors and Flavors
4.1.4. Markets and Applications of barrier films
4.1.5. EVAL™ EVOH based multiple layered films and their applications
4.1.6. Some illustrated applications of multiple layered films
4.2. Containers
4.3. Automotive Fuel Tanks and Hoses
4.4. Coatings
4.5. Gloves
4.6. Membranes
4.6.1. Membrane Structures
4.6.1.1. Plate and Frame Modules
4.6.1.2. Hollow Fiber Modules
4.6.1.3. Tubular Membrane Modules
4.6.1.4. Spiral-wound modules
4.7. Commercial membrane separation processes
4.7.1. Dialysis
4.7.2. Reverse Osmosis
4.7.3. Pervaporation
4.7.4. Gas separation
5. Styrenic Plastics
5.1. Polystyrene
5.2. Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate (ASA)
5.3. Styrene-Acrylonitrile Copolymer (SAN)
5.4. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer (ABS)
5.5. Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBC)
6. Polyester Plastics
6.1. Polycarbonate (PC)
6.2. Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
6.3. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
6.4. Liquid Crystalline Polymers (LCP)
6.5. Polycyclohexylene-dimethylene Terephthalate (PCT)
6.6. Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN)
6.7. Copolyesters
7. Polyimides
7.1. Polyetherimide (PEI)
7.2. Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
7.3. Polyimide (PI)
7.4. Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI)
8. Polyamides (Nylons)
8.1. Polyamide 6 (PA 6)
8.2. Polyamide 11(PA 11)
8.3. Polyamide 12 (PA 12)
8.4. Polyamide 46 (PA46)
8.5. Polyamide 66(PA 66)
8.6. Polyamide 66/610 (PA 66/610)
8.7. Polyamide 6/12 (PA 6/12)
8.8. Polyamide 666 (PA 666 or 6/66)
8.9. Polyamide 6/69 (PA 6/6.9)
8.10. Amorphous Polyamide (Nylon)
8.11. PAA – Polyarylamide (PAA or PARA)
8.12. PPA – Polyphthalamide/High Performance Polyamide
9. Polyolefins, Polyvinyls & Acrylics
9.1. Polyethylene (PE)
9.2. Unclassified polyethylene
9.2.1. Ultralow Density polyethylene (ULDPE)
9.2.2. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)
9.2.3. Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
9.2.4. Medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
9.2.5. High density polyethylene (HDPE)
9.3. Polypropylene (PP)
9.4. Polybutadiene (PB)
9.5. Polymethyl Pentene (PMP)
9.6. Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC)
9.7. Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA)
9.8. Ethylene - Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH)
9.9. Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB)
9.10. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
9.11. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH or PVA)
9.12. Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC)
9.13. Polyacrylics
9.14. Acrylonitrile-Methyl Acrylate Copolymer (AMA)
9.15. Ionomers
9.15.1. Ionomer - Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA)
9.15.2. Ionomer – Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)
10. Elastomers and rubbers
10.1. Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers (TPU)
10.2. Olefinic Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPO)
10.3. Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers (TPE-E or COPE)
10.4. Thermoplastic Polyether Block Polyamide Elastomers (PEBA)
10.5. Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBS) Thermoplastic Elastomers
10.6. Ethylene Acrylic Elastomers (AEM)
10.7. Bromobutyl Rubber
10.8. Butyl Rubber
10.9. Chlorobutyl Rubber (Polychloroprene)
10.10. Ethylene-Propylene Rubbers (EPM, EPDM)
10.11. Epichlorohydrin Rubber (CO, ECO)
10.12. Fluoroelastomers (FKM)
10.13. Natural Rubber
10.14. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Copolymer (NBR)
10.15. Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber (SBR)
10.16. Polysiloxane/Silicone Rubber
11. Fluoropolymers
11.1. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
11.2. Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
11.3. Perfluoro Alkoxy (PFA)
11.3.1. PFA 11.3.2. MFA
11.4. Hexafluoropropylene, Tetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene Terpolymer (HTE)
11.5. Tetrafluoroethylene, Hexafluoropropylene, Vinylidene Fluoride Terpolymer (THV™)
11.6. Amorphous fluoropolymer - Teflon AF®
11.7. Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVF)
11.8. Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)
11.9. Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
11.10. Ethylene-Tetrafluoroethylene Copolymer (ETFE)
11.11. Ethylene-Chlorotrifluoroethylene Copolymer (ECTFE)
11.12. Summary
12. High Temperature/High Performance Polymers
12.1. Polyaryletherketones (PAEK)
12.2. Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
12.3. Polysulfone (PSU)
12.4. Polyethersulfone (PES)
12.5. Polybenzimidazole (PBI)
12.6. Parylene (poly(p-xylylene))
12.7. Polyoxymethylene (POM or Acetal Homopolymer)/ Polyoxymethylene Copolymer (POM- Co or Acetal Copolymer)
13. Environmentally friendly polymers
13.1. Cellophane™
13.2. Nitrocellulose
13.3. Cellulose acetate
13.4. Ethylcellulose
13.5. Polycaprolactone (PCL)
13.6. Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA)
13.7. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB or PH3B)
13.8. Polyglycolic Acid (PGA)
14. Multilayered films
14.1. Metalized Films
14.2. Silicon Oxide Coating Technology
14.3. Co-continuous lamellar structures
14.4. Multilayered films Appendices
I. Conversion Factors
II. Standard Fuel Compositions
III. Permeability of Gloves
1.1. History
1.2. Transport of Gases and Vapors though solid materials
1.2.1. Effusion
1.2.2. Solution-Diffusion and Pore-flow Models
1.2.2.1. Non-Fickian Diffusion
1.2.2.2. Dependence of Permeability, Diffusion and Solubility Pressure
1.2.2.3. Dependence of Permeability, Diffusion and Solubility on Temperature - The Arrhenius Equation
1.3. Multiple layered films
1.4. Permeation of Coatings
1.5. Permeation and Vapor Transmission Testing
1.5.1. Units of measurement
1.5.2. Gas Permeation test cells
1.5.3. Vapor Permeation Cup testing
1.5.4. Mass spectrometry and calibrated standard gas leaks
1.5.5. Standard Tests for permeation and vapor transmission
1.5.6 Permeation testing of coatings
1.5.6.1. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
1.5.6.2. Salt Spray/Humidity
1.5.6.3. Atlas Cell
1.5.6.4. Adhesion
1.5.6.4.1. Instron Peel Test
1.5.6.4.2. Pull-Off Adhesion Tests
1.6. Summary
2. Introduction to Plastics and Polymers
2.1. Polymerization
2.1.1. Addition Polymerization
2.1.2. Condensation Polymerization
2.2. Copolymers
2.3. Linear, Branched and Crosslinked Polymers
2.4. Polarity
2.5. Unsaturation
2.6. Steric Hindrance
2.7. Isomers
2.7.1. Structural isomers
2.7.2. Geometric Isomers
2.7.3. Stereosiomers - Syndiotactic, Isotactic, Atactic
2.8. Inter and Intra molecular attractions in polymers
2.8.1. Hydrogen bonding
2.8.2. Van der Waals forces
2.8.3. Chain entanglement
2.9. General classifications
2.9.1. Molecular Weight
2.9.2. Thermosets vs. Thermoplastics
2.9.3. Crystalline vs. Amorphous
2.9.4. Orientation
2.10. Polymer Compositions
2.10.1. Additives
2.10.1.1. Fillers, Reinforcement, Composites
2.10.1.2. Combustion Modifiers, Fire, Flame Retardants and Smoke Suppressants
2.10.1.3. Release Agents
2.10.1.4. Slip additives/Internal Lubricants
2.10.1.5. Antiblock additives
2.10.1.6. Catalysts
2.10.1.7. Impact Modifiers and Tougheners
2.10.1.8. UV Stabilizers
2.10.1.9. Optical brighteners
2.10.1.10. Plasticizers
2.10.1.11. Pigments, Extenders, Dyes, Mica
2.10.1.12. Coupling Agents
2.10.1.13. Thermal Stabilizers
2.10.1.14. Antistats
2.11. Polymer Nomenclature
2.12. Summary
3. Production of films, containers and membranes
3.1. Extrusion
3.2. Blown Film
3.3. Calendering
3.4. Casting Film Lines
3.5. Post film formation processing
3.6. Web Coating
3.6.1. Gravure Coating
3.6.2. Reverse Roll Coating
3.6.3. Knife On Roll Coating
3.6.4. Metering Rod (Meyer Rod) Coating
3.6.5. Slot Die (Slot, Extrusion) Coating
3.6.6. Immersion (Dip) Coating
3.6.7. Vacuum deposition
3.6.8. Web Coating process summary
3.7. Lamination
3.7.1. Hot Roll/Belt Lamination
3.7.2. Flame Lamination
3.7.3. Orientation
3.7.4. Machine Direction Orientation
3.7.5. Biaxial orientation
3.7.6. Blown film orientation
3.8. Skiving
3.9. Membrane Production
3.10. Molding of Containers
3.10.1. Blow molding
3.10.2. Extrusion blow molding
3.10.3. Injection blow molding
3.10.4. Stretch blow molding
3.10.5. Rotational Molding/Rotomolding
3.11. Fluorination
3.11.1. Permeation testing of fluorinated containers
3.12. Coatings
3.13. Summary
4. Markets and Applications for films, containers and membranes
4.1. Barrier Films in packaging
4.1.1. Water Vapor
4.1.2. Atmospheric Gases
4.1.3. Odors and Flavors
4.1.4. Markets and Applications of barrier films
4.1.5. EVAL™ EVOH based multiple layered films and their applications
4.1.6. Some illustrated applications of multiple layered films
4.2. Containers
4.3. Automotive Fuel Tanks and Hoses
4.4. Coatings
4.5. Gloves
4.6. Membranes
4.6.1. Membrane Structures
4.6.1.1. Plate and Frame Modules
4.6.1.2. Hollow Fiber Modules
4.6.1.3. Tubular Membrane Modules
4.6.1.4. Spiral-wound modules
4.7. Commercial membrane separation processes
4.7.1. Dialysis
4.7.2. Reverse Osmosis
4.7.3. Pervaporation
4.7.4. Gas separation
5. Styrenic Plastics
5.1. Polystyrene
5.2. Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate (ASA)
5.3. Styrene-Acrylonitrile Copolymer (SAN)
5.4. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer (ABS)
5.5. Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBC)
6. Polyester Plastics
6.1. Polycarbonate (PC)
6.2. Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
6.3. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
6.4. Liquid Crystalline Polymers (LCP)
6.5. Polycyclohexylene-dimethylene Terephthalate (PCT)
6.6. Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN)
6.7. Copolyesters
7. Polyimides
7.1. Polyetherimide (PEI)
7.2. Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
7.3. Polyimide (PI)
7.4. Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI)
8. Polyamides (Nylons)
8.1. Polyamide 6 (PA 6)
8.2. Polyamide 11(PA 11)
8.3. Polyamide 12 (PA 12)
8.4. Polyamide 46 (PA46)
8.5. Polyamide 66(PA 66)
8.6. Polyamide 66/610 (PA 66/610)
8.7. Polyamide 6/12 (PA 6/12)
8.8. Polyamide 666 (PA 666 or 6/66)
8.9. Polyamide 6/69 (PA 6/6.9)
8.10. Amorphous Polyamide (Nylon)
8.11. PAA – Polyarylamide (PAA or PARA)
8.12. PPA – Polyphthalamide/High Performance Polyamide
9. Polyolefins, Polyvinyls & Acrylics
9.1. Polyethylene (PE)
9.2. Unclassified polyethylene
9.2.1. Ultralow Density polyethylene (ULDPE)
9.2.2. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)
9.2.3. Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
9.2.4. Medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
9.2.5. High density polyethylene (HDPE)
9.3. Polypropylene (PP)
9.4. Polybutadiene (PB)
9.5. Polymethyl Pentene (PMP)
9.6. Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC)
9.7. Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA)
9.8. Ethylene - Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH)
9.9. Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB)
9.10. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
9.11. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH or PVA)
9.12. Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC)
9.13. Polyacrylics
9.14. Acrylonitrile-Methyl Acrylate Copolymer (AMA)
9.15. Ionomers
9.15.1. Ionomer - Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer (EAA)
9.15.2. Ionomer – Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)
10. Elastomers and rubbers
10.1. Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers (TPU)
10.2. Olefinic Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPO)
10.3. Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers (TPE-E or COPE)
10.4. Thermoplastic Polyether Block Polyamide Elastomers (PEBA)
10.5. Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBS) Thermoplastic Elastomers
10.6. Ethylene Acrylic Elastomers (AEM)
10.7. Bromobutyl Rubber
10.8. Butyl Rubber
10.9. Chlorobutyl Rubber (Polychloroprene)
10.10. Ethylene-Propylene Rubbers (EPM, EPDM)
10.11. Epichlorohydrin Rubber (CO, ECO)
10.12. Fluoroelastomers (FKM)
10.13. Natural Rubber
10.14. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Copolymer (NBR)
10.15. Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber (SBR)
10.16. Polysiloxane/Silicone Rubber
11. Fluoropolymers
11.1. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
11.2. Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
11.3. Perfluoro Alkoxy (PFA)
11.3.1. PFA 11.3.2. MFA
11.4. Hexafluoropropylene, Tetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene Terpolymer (HTE)
11.5. Tetrafluoroethylene, Hexafluoropropylene, Vinylidene Fluoride Terpolymer (THV™)
11.6. Amorphous fluoropolymer - Teflon AF®
11.7. Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVF)
11.8. Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)
11.9. Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
11.10. Ethylene-Tetrafluoroethylene Copolymer (ETFE)
11.11. Ethylene-Chlorotrifluoroethylene Copolymer (ECTFE)
11.12. Summary
12. High Temperature/High Performance Polymers
12.1. Polyaryletherketones (PAEK)
12.2. Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
12.3. Polysulfone (PSU)
12.4. Polyethersulfone (PES)
12.5. Polybenzimidazole (PBI)
12.6. Parylene (poly(p-xylylene))
12.7. Polyoxymethylene (POM or Acetal Homopolymer)/ Polyoxymethylene Copolymer (POM- Co or Acetal Copolymer)
13. Environmentally friendly polymers
13.1. Cellophane™
13.2. Nitrocellulose
13.3. Cellulose acetate
13.4. Ethylcellulose
13.5. Polycaprolactone (PCL)
13.6. Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA)
13.7. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB or PH3B)
13.8. Polyglycolic Acid (PGA)
14. Multilayered films
14.1. Metalized Films
14.2. Silicon Oxide Coating Technology
14.3. Co-continuous lamellar structures
14.4. Multilayered films Appendices
I. Conversion Factors
II. Standard Fuel Compositions
III. Permeability of Gloves
Product details
Product details
- Edition: 5
- Latest edition
- Published: April 24, 2026
- Language: English
About the author
About the author
LM
Laurence W. McKeen
Larry McKeen has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and worked for DuPont Fluoroproducts from 1978–2014. As a Senior Research Associate (Chemist), he was responsible for new product development including application technology and product optimization for particular end-uses, and product testing. He retired from DuPont at the end of 2014 and is currently a consultant.
Affiliations and expertise
Independent Consultant and Retired Senior Research Associate, DuPont Fluoroproducts, USA