Amber Glass Composition for UV Shielding and Chemical Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pharmaceutical container glasses lack sufficient ultraviolet shielding ability and chemical durability, particularly in recent years with the introduction of new and more sensitive drugs, such as influenza vaccines and anticancer drugs.
Innovation Solution
The glass composition is optimized by strictly controlling the total content and ratio of CaO and BaO as alkaline earth metal oxides, along with specific ranges for SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, Na2O+K2O, Fe2O3, and TiO2, to achieve enhanced ultraviolet shielding and chemical durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional borosilicate glass composition is used, then the glass is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture, but the chemical durability is insufficient for new and sensitive drugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely adjusting the chemical composition parameters of the glass, specifically limiting CaO to 0.1-3.0% and BaO to 0.1-2.0%, while maintaining other components within specified ranges. This compositional parameter optimization enhances chemical durability against new drugs while preserving manufacturability through standard glassmaking processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite glass material by combining multiple oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, Na2O, K2O, CaO, BaO, Fe2O3, TiO2) in specific proportions to achieve both high chemical durability and ultraviolet shielding properties. This composite approach allows the glass to resist elution of components while blocking UV light, addressing both reliability and functional requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the glass is colored to block ultraviolet light, then the pharmaceutical is protected from light alteration, but the chemical durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the concentration of coloring agents (Fe2O3 at 0.5-2.0% and TiO2 at 1.0-5.0%) within specific ranges that provide effective ultraviolet blocking while minimizing negative impacts on chemical durability. The precise parameter control ensures both UV shielding function and resistance to component elution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material approach by integrating multiple functional components: SiO2 and B2O3 for chemical durability, Fe2O3 and TiO2 for ultraviolet shielding, and Al2O3 for structural stability. This composite composition allows simultaneous achievement of UV blocking and chemical resistance without compromise.
3Reliability
If the content of alkali metal oxides is reduced to improve chemical durability, then the elution amount decreases, but the glass becomes more difficult to process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the alkali metal oxide content (Na2O+K2O at 3.0-12.0%) to balance chemical durability and processability. This precise parameter control reduces elution amounts while maintaining sufficient alkali content for proper glass melting and forming operations, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The optimized glass composition results in a reddish-brown, amber-colored glass that effectively blocks ultraviolet light and exhibits superior chemical durability, including improved hydrolytic resistance, while maintaining processability into containers like ampoules or vials.
Implementation Method 1
the glass is colored to have a function of blocking ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a glass for a pharmaceutical container that is excellent in ultraviolet shielding ability, and is also excellent in chemical durability. The glass for a pharmaceutical container of the present invention includes as a glass composition, in terms of mass %, 67% to 81% of SiO2, more than 4% to 7% of Al2O3, 7% to 14% of B2O3, 3% to 12% of Na2O+K2O, 0% to 1.8% of CaO+BaO, 0.5% to less than 2% of Fe2O3, and 1% to 5% of TiO2, and satisfies a relationship of CaO/BaO≤0.5.