Permeability of noble gases through Kapton, butyl, nylon, and “Silver Shield”

Noble gas permeabilities and diffusivities of Kapton, butyl, nylon, and “Silver Shield” are measured at temperatures between 22 and 115∘C. The breakthrough times and solubilities at 22∘C are also determined. The relationship of the room temperature permeabilities to the noble gas atomic radii is used to estimate radon permeability for each material studied. For the noble gases tested, Kapton and Silver Shield have the lowest permeabilities and diffusivities, followed by nylon and butyl, respectively.