Ticona, the technical polymers business of Celanese AG, has developed the first cycloolefin copolymer (COC) blends that allow blister packaging made from Topas COC film to be steam sterilized. These blends enable the film to be used as a barrier material for sterile products such as single-dose liquid medications and other drugs, solutions, and veterinary pills.
The new formulation combines Topas 6013 COC and polyolefin to create heat-resistant films that do not distort when heated to 121°C for 20 min. Films made with the blend are relatively rigid and have a low water-vapor transmission rate.
The COC-polyolefin blends processed rapidly in automated equipment with minimum problems. The films have almost no shrinkage or warpage in thermoforming and provide even wall thickness. The blisters made are either translucent or white, and have good surface smoothness and gloss. The blend’s ductility means that the films generally do not create sharp edges or whiskers when die cut, so are good for use in infant-care products.
Topas COCs contain no halogen compounds, and exhibit good hydrolytic stability and low moisture absorption. They meet U.S.P. Class VI requirements and have received U.S. FDA Drug and Device Master File numbers. An FDA Food Contact Substance Notification permits their application in direct contact with all food types under all conditions of use. In addition to blister packs, prefillable syringes, and other types of pharmaceutical packaging, COCs are good candidates for use in medical and diagnostic devices, optical components, capacitor films, and printer toner binders.
For more information, contact Ticona, Summit, N.J., at (800) 833-4882 or visit www.ticona.com.