The Quality control test is to be done to check the build quality of the packaging materials in pharmaceuticals. The quality control officer is responsible for sampling and checking their quality as per given parameters. Once passing of all these parameters QC officer makes entries logbook and prepares a release note for further processing. Now understand the different Quality control tests for the secondary packing materials.
Common Tests to Perform for Packing Materials:
Thickness: This test is performed to know the Thickness of the packaging materials sample at different locations. It is measured by using a vernier caliper.
Water Absorptivity (COBB’s Test): During the COBB test, a small piece of paper or paperboard, in a circular or square shape is taken and then placed onto a COBB apparatus. The apparatus typically includes a metal ring or holder with a clamp to keep the sample securely in place.
At the start, water is poured into the metal cavity, and its kept for 1 to 60 seconds. This is done to expose the paper to water.
After completion of time, the excess water is gently removed from the sample. To determine the amount of water absorbed, the sample is weighed both before and after the test. This weight gain is then used to calculate the absorbency of the paper or paperboard.
COBB test results are measured in grams per square meter (g/m²) or grams per square foot (g/ft²). A higher COBB value suggests greater absorbency, while a lower value indicates better water resistance.
Bursting Strength test: The Bursting Strength test is used to know the strength and durability of materials like paper and C-Box. It measures a material’s ability to withstand external pressure without bursting or rupturing.
For testing; a sample of the material is clamped onto a Bursting Strength apparatus. Pressure is gradually applied until the sample bursts. The maximum pressure required for the rupture is recorded as the Bursting Strength. Bursting Strength is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals.
Important Formulas:
Bursting Factor: BS value (g/cm2)/ GSM value (g/m2)
Bursting Index: BS value (Kpa)/ GSM value (g/m2)
Drop Test: The Drop Test is done to know the impact on materials while handling, shipping, and storage. During the Drop Test, Box or containers is dropped from specific heights and angles onto a surface.
Criteria: After each drop, the packaging is thoroughly examined to assess its integrity, as well as the condition of the materials.
Quality Control Test for the Carton:
Compression: This test determines the strength of the erected package.
Carton opening force: The caron should spring open into its original shape without a need for unreasonable force. If the carton does not spring open buckles in on itself, it may cause problems for the cartooning machine.
Quality Control Test for the Paper and Board:
Moisture Content: The difference between the two weights gives the moisture content of the paper. For example, Weight the affected piece of paper parallel to other unaffected paper to know the difference. This will help to know the presence of moisture content on paper.
Folding Endurance: This test is used to measure the durability of paper when repeatedly folded under constant load. It helps to determine how many times the paper can be folded until it breaks.
Air permeability: Important for using lightweight uncoated paper on a machine having a vacuum pickup system.
Tensile strength: Tensile strength is the maximum amount of tensile stress or force that a material can withstand before breaking or experiencing permanent deformation. It is measured in psi, or megapascals (MPa).
Tensile strength Formula; S= F/A Whereas, S- Breaking strength, F- Force that caused the failure, and A- Least cross-section of the area of the material.
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