Physical Tests / 661 ContainersPlastics 1

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661 CONTAINERSPLASTICS
INTRODUCTION
It is the purpose of this chapter to provide standards for
plastic materials and components used to package medical
articles (pharmaceuticals, biologics, dietary supplements,
and devices). Definitions that apply to this chapter are provided in 659 Packaging and Storage Requirements. Standards and tests for the functional properties of containers
and their components are provided in general chapter ContainersPerformance Testing 671.
In addition to the standards provided herein, the ingredients added to the polymers, and those used in the fabrication of the containers, must conform to the requirements in
the applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 21, Indirect Food Additives, or have been evaluated by
the FDA and determined to be acceptable substances for
the listed use.
Plastic articles are identified and characterized by IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Standards are
provided in this chapter for the identification and characterization of the different types of plastic, and the test procedures are provided at the end of the chapter. The degree of
testing is based on whether or not the container has direct
contact with the drug product, and the risk is based on the
route of administration.
Plastics are composed of a mixture of homologous
polymers, having a range of molecular weights. Plastics may
contain other substances such as residues from the polymerization process, plasticizers, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, and lubricants. These materials meet the requirements for food contact as provided in the Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 21. Factors such as plastic composition,
processing and cleaning procedures, surface treatment, contacting media, inks, adhesives, absorption and permeability
of preservatives, and conditions of storage may also affect
the suitability of a plastic for a specific use. Extraction tests
are designed to characterize the extracted components and
identify possible migrants. The degree or extent of testing
for extractables of the component is dependent on the intended use and the degree of risk to adversely impact the
efficacy of the compendial article (drug, biologic, dietary
supplement, or device). Resin-specific extraction tests are
provided in this chapter for polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate
G. Test all other plastics as directed for Physicochemical Tests
in the section Test Methods. Conduct the Buffering Capacity
test only when the containers are intended to hold a liquid
product.
Plastic components used for products of high risk, such as
those intended for inhalation, parenteral preparation, and
ophthalmics are tested using the Biological Tests in the section Test Methods.
Plastic containers intended for packaging products prepared for parenteral use meet the requirements for Biological
Tests and Physicochemical Tests in the section Test Methods.
Standards are also provided for polyethylene containers used
to package dry oral dosage forms that are not meant for
constitution into solution.

POLYETHYLENE CONTAINERS
Scope
The standards and tests provided in this section characterize containers and components, produced from either low-

density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene of either

homopolymer or copolymer resins that are interchangeably
suitable for packaging dry oral dosage forms not meant for
constitution into solution. All polyethylene components are
subject to testing by IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Where stability studies have been performed to establish the expiration date of a particular dosage form in the appropriate polyethylene container, then
any other polyethylene container meeting these requirements may be similarly used to package such a dosage
form, provided that the appropriate stability programs are
expanded to include the alternative container, in order to
ensure that the identity, strength, quality, and purity of the
dosage form are maintained throughout the expiration
period.

Background
High-density and low-density polyethylene are long-chain
polymers synthesized under controlled conditions of heat
and pressure, with the aid of catalysts from not less than
85.0% ethylene and not less than 95.0% total olefins. Other
olefin ingredients that are most frequently used are butene,
hexene, and propylene. High-density polyethylene and lowdensity polyethylene both have an IR absorption spectrum
that is distinctive for polyethylene, and each possesses characteristic thermal properties. High-density polyethylene has
a density between 0.941 and 0.965 g per cm3. Low-density
polyethylene has a density between 0.850 and 0.940 g per
cm3. Other properties that may affect the suitability of polyethylene include modulus of elasticity, melt index, environmental stress crack resistance, and degree of crystallinity after molding.

High-Density Polyethylene
Infrared SpectroscopyProceed as directed for Multiple
Internal Reflectance in the section Test Methods. The corrected spectrum of the specimen exhibits major absorption
bands only at the same wavelengths as the spectrum of USP
High-Density Polyethylene RS.
Differential Scanning CalorimetryProceed as directed
for Thermal Analysis in the section Test Methods. The thermogram of the specimen is similar to the thermogram of
USP High-Density Polyethylene RS, similarly determined, and
the temperature of the endotherm (melt) in the thermogram of the specimen does not differ from that of the USP
Reference Standard by more than 6.0.
Heavy Metals and Nonvolatile ResiduePrepare extracts of specimens for these tests as directed for Physicochemical Tests under Test Methods, except that for each
20.0 mL of Extracting Medium the portion shall be 60 cm2,
regardless of thickness.
HEAVY METALSContainers meet the requirements for
Heavy Metals in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test
Methods.
NONVOLATILE RESIDUEProceed as directed for Nonvolatile
Residue under Physicochemical Tests, except that the Blank
shall be the same solvent used in each of the following test
conditions: the difference between the amounts obtained
from the Sample Preparation and the Blank does not exceed
12.0 mg when water maintained at a temperature of 70 is
used as the Extracting Medium; does not exceed 75.0 mg
when alcohol maintained at a temperature of 70 is used as
the Extracting Medium; and does not exceed 100.0 mg when
hexanes maintained at a temperature of 50 is used as the
Extracting Medium.
Components Used in Contact with Oral LiquidsProceed as directed for Buffering Capacity in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test Methods.

2 661 ContainersPlastics / Physical Tests

Low-Density Polyethylene
Infrared SpectroscopyProceed as directed for Multiple
Internal Reflectance under Test Methods. The corrected spectrum of the specimen exhibits major absorption bands only
at the same wavelengths as the spectrum of USP Low-Density Polyethylene RS.
Differential Scanning CalorimetryProceed as directed
for Thermal Analysis under Test Methods. The thermogram of
the specimen is similar to the thermogram of USP Low-Density Polyethylene RS, similarly determined, and the temperature of the endotherm (melt) in the thermogram of the
specimen does not differ from that of the USP Reference
Standard by more than 8.0.
Heavy Metals and Nonvolatile ResiduePrepare extracts of specimens for these tests as directed for Sample
Preparation in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test
Methods, except that for each 20.0 mL of Extracting Medium
the portion shall be 60 cm2, regardless of thickness.
HEAVY METALSContainers meet the requirements for
Heavy Metals in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test
Methods.
NONVOLATILE RESIDUEProceed as directed for Nonvolatile
Residue in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test Methods, except that the Blank shall be the same solvent used in
each of the following test conditions: the difference between the amounts obtained from the Sample Preparation
and the Blank does not exceed 12.0 mg when water maintained at a temperature of 70 is used as the Extracting Medium; does not exceed 75.0 mg when alcohol maintained at
a temperature of 70 is used as the Extracting Medium; and
does not exceed 350.0 mg when hexanes maintained at a
temperature of 50 is used as the Extracting Medium.
Components Used in Contact with Oral LiquidsProceed as directed for Buffering Capacity in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test Methods.

POLYPROPYLENE CONTAINERS
Scope
The standards and tests provided in this section characterize polypropylene containers, produced from either homopolymers or copolymers, that are interchangeably suitable
for packaging dry solid and liquid oral dosage forms. Where
suitable stability studies have been performed to establish
the expiration date of a particular dosage form in the appropriate polypropylene container, then any other polypropylene container meeting these requirements may be similarly used to package such a dosage form, provided that the
appropriate stability programs are expanded to include the
alternative container, in order to ensure that the identity,
strength, quality, and purity of the dosage form are maintained throughout the expiration period.

Background
Propylene polymers are long-chain polymers synthesized
from propylene or propylene and other olefins under controlled conditions of heat and pressure, with the aid of catalysts. Examples of other olefins most commonly used include ethylene and butene. The propylene polymers, the
ingredients used to manufacture the propylene polymers,
and the ingredients used in the fabrication of the containers
conform to the applicable sections of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 21.
Factors such as plastic composition, processing and cleaning procedures, contacting media, inks, adhesives, absorption, adsorption and permeability of preservatives, and con-

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ditions of storage may also affect the suitability of a plastic
for a specific use. The suitability of a specific polypropylene
must be established by appropriate testing.
Polypropylene has a distinctive IR spectrum and possesses
characteristic thermal properties. It has a density between
0.880 and 0.913 g per cm3. The permeation properties of
molded polypropylene containers may be altered when
reground polymer is incorporated, depending on the proportion of reground material in the final product. Other
properties that may affect the suitability of polypropylene
used in containers for packaging drugs are the following:
oxygen and moisture permeability, modulus of elasticity,
melt flow index, environmental stress crack resistance, and
degree of crystallinity after molding. The requirements in
this section are to be met when dry solid and liquid oral
dosage forms are to be packaged in a container defined by
this section.
Infrared SpectroscopyProceed as directed for Multiple
Internal Reflectance under Test Methods. The corrected spectrum of the specimen exhibits major absorption bands only
at the same wavelengths as the spectrum of the respective
USP Homopolymer Polypropylene RS or copolymer polypropylene standard, similarly determined.
Differential Scanning CalorimetryProceed as directed
for Thermal Analysis under Test Methods. The temperature of
the endotherm (melt) in the thermogram does not differ
from that of the USP Reference Standard for homopolymers
by more than 6.0. The temperature of the endotherm obtained from the thermogram of the copolymer polypropylene specimen does not differ from that of the copolymer
polypropylene standard by more than 12.0.
Heavy Metals and Nonvolatile ResiduePrepare extracts of specimens for these tests as directed for Sample
Preparation in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test
Methods, except that for each 20 mL of Extracting Medium
the portion shall be 60 cm2, regardless of thickness.
HEAVY METALSContainers meet the requirements for
Heavy Metals in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test
Methods.
NONVOLATILE RESIDUEProceed as directed for Nonvolatile
Residue in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test Methods, except that the Blank shall be the same solvent used in
each of the following test conditions: the difference between the amounts obtained from the Sample Preparation
and the Blank does not exceed 10.0 mg when water maintained at a temperature of 70 is used as the Extracting Medium; does not exceed 60.0 mg when alcohol maintained at
a temperature of 70 is used as the Extracting Medium; and
does not exceed 225.0 mg when hexanes maintained at a
temperature of 50 is used as the Extracting Medium. Containers meet these requirements for Nonvolatile Residue for
all of the above extracting media. [NOTEHexanes and alcohol are flammable. When evaporating these solvents, use a
current of air with the water bath; when drying the residue,
use an explosion-proof oven.]
Components Used in Contact with Oral LiquidsProceed as directed for Buffering Capacity in the section Physicochemical Tests under Test Methods.

POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE BOTTLES

AND POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE G
CONTAINERS
Scope
The standards and tests provided in this section characterize polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene terephthalate G (PETG) bottles that are interchangeably suitable for packaging liquid oral dosage forms. Where stability
studies have been performed to establish the expiration date
of a particular liquid oral dosage form in a bottle meeting

Physical Tests / 661 ContainersPlastics 3

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the requirements set forth herein for either PET or PETG
bottles, any other PET or PETG bottle meeting these requirements may be similarly used to package such a dosage
form, provided that the appropriate stability programs are
expanded to include the alternative bottle in order to ensure that the identity, strength, quality, and purity of the
dosage form are maintained throughout the expiration period. The suitability of a specific PET or PETG bottle for use
in the dispensing of a particular pharmaceutical liquid oral
dosage form must be established by appropriate testing.

Background
PET resins are long-chain crystalline polymers prepared by
the condensation of ethylene glycol with dimethyl terephthalate or terephthalic acid. PET copolymer resins are
prepared in a similar way, except that they may also contain
a small amount of either isophthalic acid (not more than 3
mole percent) or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (not more
than 5 mole percent). Polymerization is conducted under
controlled conditions of heat and vacuum, with the aid of
catalysts and stabilizers.
PET copolymer resins have physical and spectral properties similar to PET and for practical purposes are treated as
PET. The tests and specifications provided in this section to
characterize PET resins and bottles apply also to PET copolymer resins and to bottles fabricated from them.
PET and PET copolymer resins generally exhibit a large
degree of order in their molecular structure. As a result, they
exhibit characteristic composition-dependent thermal behavior, including a glass transition temperature of about 76
and a melting temperature of about 250. These resins have
a distinctive IR absorption spectrum that allows them to be
distinguished from other plastic materials (e.g., polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene, and PETG resins). PET and
PET copolymer resins have a density between 1.3 and 1.4 g
per cm3 and a minimum intrinsic viscosity of 0.7 dL per g,
which corresponds to a number average molecular weight
of about 23,000 Da.
PETG resins are high molecular weight polymers prepared
by the condensation of ethylene glycol with dimethyl terephthalate or terephthalic acid and 15 to 34 mole percent
of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. PETG resins are clear, amorphous polymers, having a glass transition temperature of
about 81 and no crystalline melting point, as determined
by differential scanning calorimetry. PETG resins have a distinctive IR absorption spectrum that allows them to be distinguished from other plastic materials, including PET. PETG
resins have a density of approximately 1.27 g per cm3 and a
minimum intrinsic viscosity of 0.65 dL per g, which corresponds to a number average molecular weight of about
16,000 Da.
PET and PETG resins, and other ingredients used in the
fabrication of these bottles, conform to the requirements in
the applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 21, regarding use in contact with food and alcoholic
beverages. PET and PETG resins do not contain any plasticizers, processing aids, or antioxidants. Colorants, if used in
the manufacture of PET and PETG bottles, do not migrate
into the contained liquid.
Infrared SpectroscopyProceed as directed under Multiple Internal Reflectance in the section Test Methods. The corrected spectrum of the specimen exhibits major absorption
bands only at the same wavelengths as the spectrum of USP
Polyethylene Terephthalate RS, or USP Polyethylene Terephthalate G RS, similarly determined.
Differential Scanning CalorimetryProceed as directed
under Thermal Analysis in the section Test Methods. For polyethylene terephthalate, the thermogram of the specimen is
similar to the thermogram of USP Polyethylene Terephthalate RS, similarly determined: the melting point (Tm) of the
specimen does not differ from that of the USP Reference
Standard by more than 9.0, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the specimen does not differ from that of

the USP Reference Standard by more than 4.0. For polyethylene terephthalate G, the thermogram of the specimen is
similar to the thermogram of USP Polyethylene Terephthalate G RS, similarly determined: the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the specimen does not differ from that of the
USP Reference Standard by more than 6.0.
Colorant ExtractionSelect three test bottles. Cut a relatively flat portion from the side wall of one bottle, and trim
it as necessary to fit the sample holder of the spectrophotometer. Obtain the visible spectrum of the side wall by
scanning the portion of the visible spectrum from 350 to
700 nm. Determine, to the nearest 2 nm, the wavelength of
maximum absorbance. Fill the remaining two test bottles,
using 50% alcohol for PET bottles and 25% alcohol for
PETG bottles. Fit the bottles with impervious seals, such as
aluminum foil, and apply closures. Fill a glass bottle having
the same capacity as that of the test bottles with the corresponding solvent, fit the bottle with an impervious seal,
such as aluminum foil, and apply a closure. Incubate the
test bottles and the glass bottle at 49 for 10 days. Remove
the bottles, and allow them to equilibrate to room temperature. Concomitantly determine the absorbances of the test
solutions in 5-cm cells at the wavelength of maximum absorbance (see Spectrophotometry and LightScattering 851),
using the corresponding solvent from the glass bottle as the
blank. The absorbance values so obtained are less than 0.01
for both test solutions.
Heavy Metals, Total Terephthaloyl Moieties, and
Ethylene Glycol
EXTRACTING MEDIA
Purified Water(see monograph).
50 Percent AlcoholDilute 125 mL of alcohol with water
to 238 mL, and mix.
25 Percent AlcoholDilute 125 mL of 50 Percent Alcohol
with water to 250 mL, and mix.
n-Heptane.
GENERAL PROCEDURE[NOTEUse an Extracting Medium of
50 Percent Alcohol for PET bottles and 25 Percent Alcohol for
PETG bottles.] For each Extracting Medium, fill a sufficient
number of test bottles to 90% of their nominal capacity to
obtain not less than 30 mL. Fill a corresponding number of
glass bottles with Purified Water, a corresponding number of
glass bottles with 50 Percent Alcohol or 25 Percent Alcohol,
and a corresponding number of glass bottles with n-Heptane
for use as Extracting Media blanks. Fit the bottles with impervious seals, such as aluminum foil, and apply closures.
Incubate the test bottles and the glass bottles at 49 for 10
days. Remove the test bottles with the Extracting Media samples and the glass bottles with the Extracting Media blanks,
and store them at room temperature. Do not transfer the
Extracting Media samples to alternative storage vessels.
HEAVY METALSPipet 20 mL of the Purified Water extract of
the test bottles, filtered if necessary, into one of two
matched 50-mL color-comparison tubes, and retain the remaining Purified Water extract in the test bottles for use in
the test for Ethylene Glycol. Adjust the extract with 1 N acetic acid or 6 N ammonium hydroxide to a pH between 3.0
and 4.0, using short-range pH paper as an external indicator. Dilute with water to about 35 mL, and mix.
Into the second color-comparison tube, pipet 2 mL of
freshly prepared (on day of use) Standard Lead Solution (see
Heavy Metals 231), and add 20 mL of Purified Water. Adjust
with 1 N acetic acid or 6 N ammonium hydroxide to a pH
between 3.0 and 4.0, using short-range pH paper as an
external indicator. Dilute with water to about 35 mL, and
mix.
To each tube add 1.2 mL of thioacetamideglycerin base
TS and 2 mL of pH 3.5 Acetate Buffer (see Heavy Metals
231), dilute with water to 50 mL, and mix: any color produced within 10 minutes in the tube containing the Purified
Water extract of the test bottles does not exceed that in the
tube containing the Standard Lead Solution, both tubes be-

4 661 ContainersPlastics / Physical Tests

ing viewed downward over a white surface (1 ppm in
extract).
TOTAL TEREPHTHALOYL MOIETIESDetermine the absorbance
of the 50 Percent Alcohol or 25 Percent Alcohol extract in a
1-cm cell at the wavelength of maximum absorbance at
about 244 nm (see Spectrophotometry and LightScattering
851), using as the blank the corresponding Extracting Medium blank: the absorbance of the extract does not exceed
0.150, corresponding to not more than 1 ppm of total terephthaloyl moieties.
Determine the absorbance of the n-Heptane extract in a
1-cm cell at the wavelength of maximum absorbance at
about 240 nm (see Spectrophotometry and Light-Scattering
851), using as the blank the n-Heptane Extracting Medium:
the absorbance of the extract does not exceed 0.150, corresponding to not more than 1 ppm of total terephthaloyl
moieties.
ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Periodic Acid SolutionDissolve 125 mg of periodic acid in
10 mL of water.
Dilute Sulfuric AcidTo 50 mL of water add slowly and
with constant stirring 50 mL of sulfuric acid, and allow to
cool to room temperature.
Sodium Bisulfite SolutionDissolve 0.1 g of sodium bisulfite in 10 mL of water. Use this solution within 7 days.
Disodium Chromotropate SolutionDissolve 100 mg of disodium chromotropate in 100 mL of sulfuric acid. Protect
this solution from light, and use within 7 days.
Standard SolutionDissolve an accurately weighed quantity of ethylene glycol in water, and dilute quantitatively,
and stepwise if necessary, to obtain a solution having a
known concentration of about 1 g per mL.
Test SolutionUse the Purified Water extract.
ProcedureTransfer 1.0 mL of the Standard Solution to a
10-mL volumetric flask. Transfer 1.0 mL of the Test Solution
to a second 10-mL volumetric flask. Transfer 1.0 mL of the
Purified Water Extracting Medium to a third 10-mL volumetric
flask. To each of the three flasks, add 100 L of Periodic Acid
Solution, swirl to mix, and allow to stand for 60 minutes.
Add 1.0 mL of Sodium Bisulfite Solution to each flask, and
mix. Add 100 L of Disodium Chromotropate Solution to each
flask, and mix. [NOTEAll solutions should be analyzed
within 1 hour after addition of the Disodium Chromotropate
Solution.] Cautiously add 6 mL of sulfuric acid to each flask,
mix, and allow the solutions to cool to room temperature.
[CautionDilution of sulfuric acid produces substantial heat and
can cause the solution to boil. Perform this addition carefully.
Sulfur dioxide gas will be evolved. Use of a fume hood is recommended.] Dilute each solution with Dilute Sulfuric Acid to
volume, and mix. Concomitantly determine the absorbances
of the solutions from the Standard Solution and the Test Solution in 1-cm cells at the wavelength of maximum absorbance at about 575 nm (see Spectrophotometry and LightScattering 851), using as the blank the solution from the
Purified Water Extracting Medium: the absorbance of the solution from the Test Solution does not exceed that of the solution from the Standard Solution, corresponding to not more
than 1 ppm of ethylene glycol.

TEST METHODS
Multiple Internal Reflectance
ApparatusUse an IR spectrophotometer capable of correcting for the blank spectrum and equipped with a multiple internal reflectance accessory and a KRS-5 internal reflec-

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1

tion plate. A KRS-5 crystal 2-mm thick having an angle of

incidence of 45 provides a sufficient number of reflections.
Specimen PreparationCut two flat sections representative of the average wall thickness of the container, and trim
them as necessary to obtain segments that are convenient
for mounting in the multiple internal reflectance accessory.
Taking care to avoid scratching the surfaces, wipe the specimens with dry paper or, if necessary, clean them with a soft
cloth dampened with methanol, and permit them to dry.
Securely mount the specimens on both sides of the KRS-5
internal reflection plate, ensuring adequate surface contact.
Prior to mounting the specimens on the plate, they may be
compressed to thin uniform films by exposing them to temperatures of about 177 under high pressures (15,000 psi or
more).
General ProcedurePlace the mounted specimen sections within the multiple internal reflectance accessory, and
place the assembly in the specimen beam of the IR spectrophotometer. Adjust the specimen position and mirrors
within the accessory to permit maximum light transmission
of the unattenuated reference beam. (For a double-beam
instrument, upon completing the adjustments in the accessory, attenuate the reference beam to permit full-scale deflection during the scanning of the specimen.) Determine
the IR spectrum from 3500 to 600 cm1 for polyethylene
and polypropylene and from 4000 to 400 cm1 for PET and
PETG.

Thermal Analysis
General ProcedureCut a section weighing about
12 mg, and place it in the test specimen pan. [NOTEIntimate contact between the pan and the thermocouple is essential for reproducible results.] Determine the thermogram
under nitrogen, using the heating and cooling conditions as
specified for the resin type and using equipment capable of
performing the determinations as specified under Thermal
Analysis 891.
For PolyethyleneDetermine the thermogram under nitrogen at temperatures between 40 and 200 at a heating
rate between 2 and 10 per minute followed by cooling at
a rate between 2 and 10 per minute to 40.
For PolypropyleneDetermine the thermogram under
nitrogen at temperatures ranging from ambient to 30
above the melting point. Maintain the temperature for
10 minutes, then cool to 50 below the peak crystallization
temperature at a rate of 10 to 20 per minute.
For Polyethylene TerephthalateHeat the specimen
from room temperature to 280 at a heating rate of about
20 per minute. Hold the specimen at 280 for 1 minute.
Quickly cool the specimen to room temperature, and reheat
it to 280 at a heating rate of about 5 per minute.
For Polyethylene Terephthalate GHeat the specimen
from room temperature to 120 at a heating rate of about
20 per minute. Hold the specimen at 120 for 1 minute.
Quickly cool the specimen to room temperature, and reheat
it to 120 at a heating rate of about 10 per minute.

Biological Tests
The in vitro biological tests are performed according to
the procedures set forth under Biological Reactivity Test, In
Vitro 87. Components that meet the requirements of the
in vitro tests are not required to undergo further testing. No
plastic class designation is assigned to these materials.
Materials that do not meet the requirements of the in vitro
tests are not suitable for containers for drug products.
The multiple internal reflectance accessory and KRS-5 plate are available from
several sources, including Beckman Instruments, Inc., 2500 Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92634, and from Perkin Elmer Corp., Main Ave., Norwalk, CT
06856.
1

Physical Tests / 661 ContainersPlastics 5

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If a plastic class designation is needed for plastics and
other polymers that meet the requirements under Biological
Reactivity Test, In Vitro 87, perform the appropriate in vivo
test specified for Classification of Plastics under Biological Reactivity Test, In Vivo 88.

Physicochemical Tests
The following tests, designed to determine physical and
chemical properties of plastics and their extracts, are based
on the extraction of the plastic material, and it is essential
that the designated amount of the plastic be used. Also, the
specified surface area must be available for extraction at the
designated temperature.
Testing Parameters
Extracting MediumUnless otherwise directed in a specific test below, use Purified Water (see monograph) as the
Extracting Medium, maintained at a temperature of 70 during the extraction of the Sample Preparation.
BlankUse Purified Water where a blank is specified in
the tests that follow.
ApparatusUse a water bath and the Extraction Containers as described under Biological Reactivity Tests, In Vivo 88.
Proceed as directed in the first paragraph of Preparation of
Apparatus under Biological Reactivity Tests, In Vivo 88.
[NOTEThe containers and equipment need not be sterile.]
Sample PreparationFrom a homogeneous plastic specimen, use a portion, for each 20.0 mL of Extracting Medium,
equivalent to 120 cm2 total surface area (both sides combined), and subdivide into strips approximately 3 mm in
width and as near to 5 cm in length as is practical. Transfer
the subdivided sample to a glass-stoppered, 250-mL graduated cylinder of Type I glass, and add about 150 mL of Purified Water. Agitate for about 30 seconds, drain off and discard the liquid, and repeat with a second washing.
Sample Preparation ExtractTransfer the prepared Sample
Preparation to a suitable extraction flask, and add the required amount of Extracting Medium. Extract by heating in a
water bath at the temperature specified for the Extracting
Medium for 24 hours. Cool, but not below 20. Pipet 20 mL
of the prepared extract into a suitable container. [NOTE
Use this portion in the test for Buffering Capacity.] Immediately decant the remaining extract into a suitably cleansed
container, and seal.
Nonvolatile ResidueTransfer, in suitable portions,
50.0 mL of the Sample Preparation Extract to a suitable,
tared crucible (preferably a fused-silica crucible that has

been acid-cleaned), and evaporate the volatile matter on a

steam bath. Similarly evaporate 50.0 mL of the Blank in a
second crucible. [NOTEIf an oily residue is expected, inspect the crucible repeatedly during the evaporation and
drying period, and reduce the amount of heat if the oil
tends to creep along the walls of the crucible.] Dry at 105
for 1 hour: the difference between the amounts obtained
from the Sample Preparation Extract and the Blank does not
exceed 15 mg.
Residue on Ignition 281[NOTEIt is not necessary to
perform this test when the Nonvolatile Residue test result
does not exceed 5 mg.] Proceed with the residues obtained
from the Sample Preparation Extract and from the Blank in
the test for Nonvolatile Residue above, using, if necessary,
additional sulfuric acid but adding the same amount of sulfuric acid to each crucible: the difference between the
amounts of residue on ignition obtained from the Sample
Preparation Extract and the Blank does not exceed 5 mg.
Heavy MetalsPipet 20 mL of the Sample Preparation Extract, filtered if necessary, into one of two matched 50-mL
color-comparison tubes. Adjust with 1 N acetic acid or 6 N
ammonium hydroxide to a pH between 3.0 and 4.0, using
short-range pH paper as an external indicator, dilute with
water to about 35 mL, and mix.
Into the second color-comparison tube pipet 2 mL of
Standard Lead Solution (see Heavy Metals 231), and add
20 mL of the Blank. Adjust with 1 N acetic acid or 6 N ammonium hydroxide to a pH between 3.0 and 4.0, using
short-range pH paper as an external indicator, dilute with
water to about 35 mL, and mix. To each tube add 1.2 mL of
thioacetamideglycerin base TS and 2 mL of pH 3.5 Acetate
Buffer (see Heavy Metals 231), dilute with water to 50 mL,
and mix: any brown color produced within 10 minutes in
the tube containing the Sample Preparation Extract does not
exceed that in the tube containing the Standard Lead Solution, both tubes being viewed downward over a white surface (1 ppm in extract).
Buffering CapacityTitrate the previously collected
20-mL portion of the Sample Preparation Extract potentiometrically to a pH of 7.0, using either 0.010 N hydrochloric
acid or 0.010 N sodium hydroxide, as required. Treat a
20.0-mL portion of the Blank similarly: if the same titrant
was required for both the Sample Preparation Extract and the
Blank, the difference between the two volumes is not
greater than 10.0 mL; and if acid was required for either the
Sample Preparation Extract or the Blank and alkali for the
other, the total of the two volumes required is not greater
than 10.0 mL.