Rubber is used mainly for the construction of closure meant for vials, transfusion fluid bottles, dropping bottles and as washers in many other types of product.
The main types of rubber used for pharmaceutical products include natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, butyl Chlorobutyl, Bromobutyl and silicone.
Silicone is the most expensive and although the most inert, is readily permeable to moisture, gases and absorbent to certain preservatives.
Advantages of rubber packaging
Water absorption is very low, so it provides the better resistance against the moisture and humidity.
Due to stretchable nature, it is easy to handling and transport.
It is the cheaper materials than metal and glass. It shows good economical value.
Most of the rubber materials are used for the closing apparatus and provide the addition protection against any contamination.
Nitrile rubber is heat resistant and oil resistant due to presence of nitrile group.
Disadvantage of rubber packaging
Absorption of bactericide and leaching of extractives are considerable.
It does not perform well when exposed to the chemicals substances.
It is very expensive.
Some time rubber materials also reacts the products material and alters the products physical and chemical properties.
