[Influence of electrochemical ageing on properties of chosen medical receptacles].

Background: Presently, most of receptacles used in medicine are made of polymeric materials. This is due to, e.g., low price, low weight, and aesthetic values of these materials. The important issue is to ensure long life of polymer in order to protect the medicines closed in the boxes. However, all materials during exploitation are exposed to many factors, which can cause degradation of polymer materials. Degradation processes lead to deterioration of thermomechanical properties of polymers.

Objectives: The aim of this syudy was to examine the influence of electrochemical ageing on properties of polymeric materials used in production of receptacles for drugs and boxes for medical use.

Material and methods: We conducted comparative analysis of samples before and after electrochemical ageing, cut out of receptacles for drugs made from polyethylene, as well as from boxes for medical use and Eppendorf tube made from polypropylene. Investigating methods included differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and imaging of microstructure ×400 magnification.

Results: We noticed different value of the degree of crystallinity for the aged samples in comparison to not aged samples. The change in value of temperature of physical transformation was also detected. In the aged samples defragmentation of crystal structure was observed.

Conclusions: Electrochemical ageing results in changes of properties of polymeric materials used in production of medical receptacles.