Barrier, Adsorptive, and Mechanical Properties of Containers Molded from PET/PP Blends for Use in Pharmaceutical Solutions

Tadashi Otsuka, Ayako Kurosawa, Masaki Maeda, Kazushi Yamada, Masuo Murakami, Hiroyuki Hamada

Department of Advanced Fibro-Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan.
Pharmaceutical Development Research Laboratories of Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/msa.2013.410072                

Abstract

In this study, the adsorptive properties of L-menthol, moisture vapor transmission rate, and mechanical properties of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylene (PP), and their blends were evaluated in containers fabricated by injection molding without a compatibilizing agent. These containers intended to hold pharmaceutical solutions containing lipophilic chemicals such as L-menthol. By the addition of a small amount of PP, the moisture barrier properties of PET were effectively improved, but its anti-adsorptive property was reduced. The strength of the PET/PP blends was reduced, but some PET/PP blends were still able to bear the experimental load required for application in eye-drop containers. PET/PP = 9/1 and PET/PP = 8/2 were found to be most applicable for using in the fabrication of containers for medicinal solutions.

Keywords

PET/PP; Blend; Barrier; Adsorptive; Mechanical Properties

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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