This work reports further proof around the potential value of cyclic olefin copolymer elastomer (COCe) as an innovative sealing material for metered dose inhalers. As previously reported cyclic olefin copolymers are a new class of polymeric materials with property profiles which can be varied over a wide range during polymerization. These new materials exhibit a unique combination of properties which can be customized by varying the chemical structure of the copolymer. Interesting performance benefits for metered dose inhalers (MDIs) applications could be considered as – low water absorption, excellent water vapour barrier properties, rigidity, strength and compression set, excellent biocompatibility, good resistance to acids and alkalis and their ability to be moulded into specific component parts.
This work details further proof around the performance of COCe as an innovative sealing material, during this study key performance attributes were investigated such as leak rates and moisture ingress, and new investigations have been made into formulation compatibility and the characterisation of any potential extractables from the COCe material. Other manufacturing related parameters such as crimping and recycling have previously been investigated and reported.