Materials Used For Making Of Pharmaceutical Containers

The Pharmaceutical containers are usually made from the following basic materials.
1. Glass
2. Plastic
3. Metal
4. Paper and board.

Now in details about types, advantages, disadvantages and composition of these materials. 

1. Glass

Advantages of use of glass containers.
➡️transparent
➡️Available in various shapes and sizes.
➡️ Economical and readily available.
➡️ glass containers can protect the photosensitive medicaments from light during their storage.
➡️Glass containers are neutral after proper treatment. 
➡️ impermeable to moisture and atmospheric gases. 
➡️ have good protectic power.
➡️do not deteriorate with age.
➡️ Can be easily labelled.
➡️ Can be sealed hermetically.
➡️ Plastic containers can withstand the variation in temperature and pressure during sterilisation.

Disadvantages of glass containers
➡️Glass is fragile, so it's containers are easily broken when dropped or knocked.
➡️Glass containers are heavy, which increases the cost of transportation.
➡️ Glass containers may release alkali to aqueous preparations.

Composition of Glass

Glass is composed of sand, soda ash, lime stone and cullet. 

➡️Cullet is broken glass that is mixed with other parts and it acts as a fusion agent for the entire mixture. 
➡️ The composition of glass varies, and depends on specific purposes for which it is used.
➡️Silicon, aluminium, boron,sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and barium are generally used in the preparation of glass.

Types of Glass
The following types of glasses are available commercially for making containers.
i) lime soda glass : 

ii) Borosilicate glass:

iii) Silicon treated glass:

iv) Sulphured glass:

v) Neutral Glass:

vi) Amber colour glass:

2. Plastic

Composition

Classification

3. Metals

4.  Paper and board