Technical Data
186
Factors for the Selection of a Plastic Container Plastic containers have been developed for a variety of applications across many different industries over the years. There are many different types of polymers used in the creation of these containers to help fill the demands for the various applications. Polymers offer a variety of properties, each having different levels of importance with different users depending on the application. Some users may have flexibility within their product formula or filling process thus focus on economical containers while others may need containers that are stronger, autoclavable, transparent, sterilized, etc.; therefore requiring more specifications. DWK Life Sciences can help with polymer selection through comprehension of the customer’s product, goals, and adaptability. Several questions should be posed to gather this understanding.
■ What is the container size and physical design. Narrow mouth vs. wide mouth, tall vs. short, etc.? ■ Must the package be transparent, translucent, opaque or colored for either marketing or light protection? ■ Are there specific shipment and storage conditions such as refrigeration, freezing, exclusion of light, etc.? ■ Are there governmental regulations pertaining to the product? ■ How is the product going to be dispensed by the user? ■ Have any tests been run in plastic? Were they unsuccessful and why? What type of plastics? Some Examples Include:
Many Things Govern Polymer Suitability for Package Use
These include: ■ Permeation / Barrier ■ Sorption Characteristics ■ Chemical Resistance ■ Stress Crack Resistance ■ Rigidity / Flexibility
■ Impact Resistance ■ Sterilizability ■ Recyclability ■ Temperature Resistance ■ Mold Release
Table 7. Packageability of Plastic Containers Requirement PC
PE
PET
PETG
PP
PS
PVC
Lightweight
6
2
5
5
1
3
6
Clarity
1
3
1
1
2
1
1
Toughness
3
1
2
1
3
9
8
Water Adsorption
6
2
3
3
2
4
2
Water Vapor Permeability
6
2
5
4
2
5
4
CO 2 Permeability O 2 Permeability
7
6
2
3
5
9
3
7
7
2
3
6
8
2
Resistance: Acids
4
2
4
4
2
4
2
Resistance: Alkalis
7
2
5
5
2
2
2
Resistance: Oils
4
4
2
2
3
4
2
Resistance: Solvents
3
3
2
2
3
6
4
Resistance: High Humidity
6
1
1
1
1
1
1
Resistance: Sunlight
4
4
1
2
4
5
5
Resistance: Heat (hot fill)
1
3
1
1
2
5
1
Resistance: Cold 9 This chart is a generalization to aid in selection; there are many forms, thicknesses and various copolymers and additives available. The lower the num- ber, the better the property. 1=Excellent; 9=Poor. (PE Properties are similar for HDPE & LDPE.) 1 1 2 2 4 5
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