Barrier Material
Military Barrier Materials: The First Line of Defense
Military barrier materials are a critical component of a comprehensive packaging system designed to protect sensitive equipment from environmental damage. These materials create an airtight, sealed environment that prevents the intrusion of moisture vapor, oxygen, dust, and other contaminants that can cause corrosion and degradation.
SPECS
Key Specifications for Barrier Materials
- MIL-PRF-131: This is the primary performance specification for water vapor-proof, grease-proof, flexible, heat-sealable barrier materials. It is the gold standard for protecting items from moisture vapor and corrosion. The specification defines crucial properties like water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength, and puncture resistance.
- MIL-DTL-117: This is the detailed specification for heat-sealable, flexible bags fabricated from barrier materials. While MIL-PRF-131 defines the material, MIL-DTL-117 dictates the bag’s construction, dimensions, and performance. It covers various types and classes, including those with electrostatic protection and electromagnetic shielding properties.
- MIL-B-81705: This specification is for flexible, electrostatic-shielding, heat-sealable barrier materials. It is essential for protecting highly sensitive electronic components from both moisture and electrostatic discharge (ESD) during transport and storage.
- MIL-STD-2073: This is the overarching Department of Defense standard for packaging. It doesn’t specify the material itself but provides the framework for selecting and using the correct barrier material and preservation method based on the item’s fragility, value, and intended storage or shipping environment.