As a seasoned supplier of PVC coated tarpaulin, I've received numerous inquiries about the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of our products. This technical aspect is crucial for understanding how well a tarpaulin can prevent moisture from passing through, which is vital for various applications. In this blog, I'll delve into what the water vapor transmission rate of PVC coated tarpaulin means, its influencing factors, and its significance in different scenarios.
Understanding Water Vapor Transmission Rate
The water vapor transmission rate refers to the quantity of water vapor that passes through a given area of a material within a specified time under specific temperature and humidity conditions. It is typically measured in grams per square meter per 24 hours (g/m²/24h). A lower WVTR indicates that the material is more effective at blocking the passage of water vapor.
For PVC coated tarpaulin, the WVTR is an important indicator of its ability to keep the contents underneath dry. Whether it's protecting goods from humidity during storage or providing a waterproof barrier for outdoor structures, a low WVTR is often desirable.
Factors Affecting the Water Vapor Transmission Rate of PVC Coated Tarpaulin
Thickness of the Tarpaulin
One of the most significant factors influencing the WVTR is the thickness of the PVC coated tarpaulin. Generally, a thicker tarpaulin has a lower WVTR because it provides a greater physical barrier for water vapor to penetrate. Our company offers a range of PVC coated tarpaulins with different thicknesses to meet the diverse needs of our customers. For applications where high moisture resistance is required, such as in the storage of sensitive electronic equipment, we recommend using a thicker tarpaulin.
Quality of the PVC Coating
The quality of the PVC coating also plays a crucial role in determining the WVTR. A high - quality PVC coating forms a more continuous and dense layer on the fabric base, which can effectively prevent water vapor from passing through. Our PVC coated tarpaulins are made with premium - grade PVC materials that are carefully formulated to provide excellent moisture - blocking properties. We use advanced coating technologies to ensure a uniform and durable coating on the fabric, which helps to maintain a low WVTR over time.
Fabric Base Material
The type of fabric used as the base material can also impact the WVTR. Different fabrics have different pore sizes and structures, which affect the ease with which water vapor can pass through. For example, a tightly woven fabric base will generally have a lower WVTR compared to a loosely woven one. Our PVC coated tarpaulins are available with various fabric bases, including polyester and nylon. Polyester is a popular choice due to its high strength, good dimensional stability, and relatively low WVTR.

Measuring the Water Vapor Transmission Rate
There are several standard methods for measuring the WVTR of materials, such as the ASTM E96/E96M and ISO 15106 - 1 standards. These methods involve creating a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity conditions and measuring the amount of water vapor that passes through a sample of the material over a set period.
At our company, we conduct rigorous testing on our PVC coated tarpaulins to ensure that they meet the required WVTR standards. We use state - of - the - art testing equipment and follow strict quality control procedures to provide our customers with accurate and reliable WVTR data for our products.
Significance of Water Vapor Transmission Rate in Different Applications
Storage and Transportation
In the storage and transportation of goods, a low WVTR is essential to prevent moisture damage. For example, when storing food products, excessive moisture can lead to mold growth and spoilage. Our PVC coated tarpaulins with low WVTR can be used to cover and protect these goods, ensuring their quality and shelf life. Whether it's in a warehouse or during transit, our tarpaulins provide a reliable moisture barrier.
Outdoor Structures
For outdoor structures such as tents and inflatable buildings, a low WVTR is crucial for maintaining a dry and comfortable interior environment. Our PVC Tent Coated Tarpaulin and PVC Inflatable Coated Tarpaulin are designed to have excellent moisture - blocking properties. They can withstand various weather conditions, including rain and high humidity, without allowing water vapor to penetrate inside.
Industrial Applications
In industrial settings, PVC coated tarpaulins are often used to cover machinery and equipment. A low WVTR helps to protect these assets from corrosion and damage caused by moisture. Our PVC Canvas Coated Tarpaulin Fabric is suitable for such industrial applications, providing a durable and moisture - resistant covering.
Comparing Our PVC Coated Tarpaulins with Competitors
When compared to many of our competitors, our PVC coated tarpaulins offer a superior combination of low WVTR, high strength, and durability. We invest heavily in research and development to continuously improve the performance of our products. Our quality control measures ensure that every batch of tarpaulin meets the strictest standards.
We understand that different customers have different requirements for the WVTR of PVC coated tarpaulins. That's why we offer customized solutions to meet specific needs. Whether you need a tarpaulin with an extremely low WVTR for a specialized application or a more cost - effective option with a moderate WVTR, we can provide you with the right product.
Conclusion
The water vapor transmission rate of PVC coated tarpaulin is a critical factor that determines its suitability for various applications. Our company, as a leading supplier of PVC coated tarpaulins, is committed to providing high - quality products with low WVTR. We use advanced materials and manufacturing processes to ensure that our tarpaulins offer excellent moisture - blocking properties.
If you're in the market for PVC coated tarpaulins and have specific requirements regarding the water vapor transmission rate, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us to discuss your needs, and our experienced team will be happy to assist you in selecting the most suitable product for your application.
References
- ASTM International. (2019). ASTM E96/E96M - 19: Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials.
- International Organization for Standardization. (2008). ISO 15106 - 1:2008 Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of water vapour transmission rate — Part 1: Differential pressure method.



