Moisture Control from Electrolyte Fill to Export Container
Electrode vacuum baking below 15 ppm residual water prevents hydrofluoric acid formation during electrolyte filling, preserving cell cycle life and landed margin.
ISO 15106 MVTR
Meaning
This international testing standard defines the procedures for measuring the moisture vapor transmission rate of plastic films, laminates, and barrier sheets. Typically utilized in the evaluation of protective packaging materials for battery cells, ISO 15106 MVTR uses various sensor technologies to measure the rate of water vapor passage. It establishes a consistent methodology for determining the barrier effectiveness of different materials under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
Sourcing departments rely on these standardized measurements to compare and select the highest performing packaging foils and barrier films. If the material’s transmission rate is too high, it will allow moisture to enter the sealed packages and degrade the sensitive components inside.
Testing Methodologies
The standard is divided into multiple parts, each describing a different sensor technology for measuring the moisture transmission. These include humidity sensor methods, infrared sensor methods, and electrolytic sensor methods, which are used to detect minute amounts of water vapor. The test specimen is mounted in a chamber, separating a high humidity zone from a dry, nitrogen swept zone.
As water vapor permeates through the film, it is carried by the nitrogen stream to the sensor, which measures the transmission rate in grams per square meter per day. This highly sensitive measurement provides a precise evaluation of the material’s barrier performance. Sourcing teams use these results to verify supplier claims and ensure material consistency.
Barrier Characterization
The measurements obtained through this standard are critical for determining the expected shelf life of moisture sensitive materials. A lower transmission rate indicates a higher performing barrier that will protect the enclosed cells or electrodes for longer periods. Sourcing agreements often specify a maximum allowable transmission rate under accelerated aging conditions, such as forty degrees Celsius and ninety percent relative humidity.
This helps engineers calculate the required thickness of the barrier layers and the amount of desiccant needed for each shipment. The data ensures that the packaging will withstand the harsh conditions of maritime transport and extended storage.
Sourcing Compliance
Sourcing contracts for protective packaging must require compliance with the ISO 15106 standard to ensure the validity and comparability of the test results. Procurement teams audit the suppliers’ testing laboratories to verify that the equipment is calibrated and maintained in accordance with the standard. This verification prevents the procurement of substandard barrier materials that could fail during transit, leading to costly product damage and assembly delays.
By holding suppliers to this recognized international standard, sourcing organizations can guarantee the quality and reliability of the protective packaging throughout the supply chain.