Vapor Barrier
Vapor Barrier
A packaging property that prevents gas and vapor transmission through container walls, important for chemical storage.
A vapor barrier is a material property that prevents gases and chemical vapors from passing through container walls. HDPE provides a moderate vapor barrier, adequate for most chemicals but not as impermeable as metal or glass. For volatile chemicals like gasoline, acetone, or toluene, HDPE allows slow permeation over time. Vapor barrier effectiveness is measured by Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) and vapor permeation rates. For applications requiring maximum vapor containment, consider barrier-treated HDPE or fluorinated containers. Standard HDPE pails are excellent vapor barriers for aqueous solutions, oils, and most industrial chemicals.