Precision Vapour Permeability Measurement of Coating Defects

  
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Vapour transmission through protective coatings remains a critical factor in determining product reliability, durability and performance. Even seemingly minor surface defects such as dimples, craters, fisheyes, pinholing, outgassing voids or blistering can significantly alter permeability and compromise protective barriers. Once vapour penetrates a coating, it can accelerate corrosion, initiate delamination, and impair functionality, particularly in high-performance sectors such as paper, aerospace, automotive, electronics, packaging and medical devices.

Versaperm’s Mass Spectrometer Vapour Permeability Measurement System has been developed to address this challenge with an unmatched combination of sensitivity, precision and speed. Unlike conventional gravimetric or indirect methods, the mass spectrometer system provides direct measurement of vapour transmission. It is capable of quantifying even trace levels of permeation, allowing engineers to detect and analyse the influence of surface irregularities or material inconsistencies that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The system enables accurate characterisation of vapour flow through both coatings and films, it can also control a wide range of  environmental conditions. By replicating operational stresses and curing profiles, it provides data that not only helps identify failure modes but also guides process optimisation, material selection, and surface preparation techniques. Results are typically available within a few hours, significantly reducing the time needed for evaluation and accelerating the feedback loop during R&D and production.

“Microscopic defects in coatings can have disproportionate effects on vapour transmission, undermining the long-term integrity of critical components,” explained Chris Roberts, Technical Director at Versaperm. “Our Mass Spectrometer Vapour Permeability Measurement System equips engineers and scientists with the quantitative data needed to understand, predict, and ultimately prevent these failures.”

By providing a deeper understanding of how vapour permeability interacts with coating defects, the Versaperm system is becoming a key tool for specialists working on advanced coatings and surface protection technologies.

ENDS

Please send any sales enquiries to Christopher Roberts, Versaperm Limited,,
10 Rawcliffe House, Howarth Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1AP, UK, Tel: +44 (0) 1628 777668,
e.mail info@versaperm.co.uk Web http://www.versaperm.co.uk

For further Press Information please contact Gerry Palmer @
T the Palmer & Rose Partnership.
Tel +44 (0) 1494 637499, e.mail gerry@palmer-rose.co.uk.