Permeability Properties of Plastics and Elastomers - Data Handbook

In this review of Permeability Properties of Plastics and Elastomers, the bottom line is straightforward: this second edition is the essential reference for engineers and packaging professionals who need reliable permeability data across a wide range of polymer films. The reviewer found the handbook especially useful for comparative work because the updated edition expands to over 125 materials and adds 92 resin chapters, making it much easier to locate practical permeability information and processing notes in one place.

Key Features

• Extensive material coverage: Over 125 commercial polymeric films are documented, allowing direct comparison of permeability behavior for many common packaging materials.
• New resin chapters: Ninety two added resin chapters provide category, processing methods and typical applications that help place permeability numbers in real world context.
• Graphical and tabular data: Data is shown in both charts and tables so readers can quickly interpret trends and extract values for design or specification work.
• Focus on barrier properties: Permeability for water vapor, oxygen and other gases is discussed, which is central when selecting materials for moisture or aroma sensitive products.
• Practical comparisons: The consistent chapter format makes it straightforward to compare materials and test conditions across entries.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at packaging engineers, materials scientists, and product designers who need authoritative permeability data for barrier selection and performance prediction. It is also useful to lab managers and procurement specialists who must evaluate competing film materials based on permeability characteristics.

Those who should look elsewhere include readers seeking introductory polymer chemistry or basic manufacturing tutorials, and casual hobbyists who do not require comprehensive tabulated permeability figures and test condition comparisons.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive set of permeability data across many commercial films makes it a reliable reference for material selection.
• New resin chapters add useful context on processing and typical applications that complement the data tables.
• Clear graphical and tabular presentation speeds comparison and extraction of values for engineering use.

Cons

• The book is a focused data handbook rather than a textbook, so it does not provide extensive introductory theory or step by step processing instruction.

Specifications

Our Verdict

For professionals who need consolidated, comparable permeability data, this second edition represents good value and a practical working reference. It excels at giving engineers and packaging specialists the numbers and context needed to choose barrier materials without wading through scattered sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include practical data for packaging applications?
Yes, it presents permeability data and resin summaries that directly relate to common packaging uses and barrier selection.

Are processing methods covered for the listed resins?
Yes, the new resin chapters include brief notes on processing methods alongside applications and permeability considerations.

Is the material presented in tables or only in narrative form?
The handbook provides both graphical and tabular data to facilitate comparison and value extraction.