522 Industrial Pharmacy: A Comprehensive Approach Washing of containers should be done in a clean area for reducing the chance of contamination with particulate matter and microorganisms, and for removing articulate matters effectively from the glass surface. The containers should be finally rinsed with water for Injection. If it is not done, the washed containers should be sterilized by dry heat after washing, Rubber Closures These are prepared from polymeric materials along with certain ingredients. The polymers used to manufacture of rubber closures for parenterals can be classified into ‘two types ~ saturated elastomers and unsaturated elastomers. ‘The saturated elastomers are: Copolymer of palyisobutylene and polyisoprene, Ethylene propylene rubber, Ethylene propylene diene rubber, Silicone rubber. Unsaturated elastomers are: Polychloroprene, Polybutadiene, Natural and Synthetic polyisoprene, Nitrile butadiene rubber, Styrene butadiene rubber. The additives mixed with basic polymer are mentioned below along with the purposes. Accelerators — amines, thiol and thiuram compounds, sulphamides and ureas. Activators ~ zinc oxide, zine stearate, stearic acid Antioxidants ~ amines, diethiocarbamates, paraffin waxes, Fillers or Reinfarcing agents ~ silicates of aluminium and calcium, titanium dioxide, carbon black, barium sulphate and silica. Lubricants and Plasticizers ~ paraffin, mineral oil, fatty acids, organic phosphates, phthalates, Pigments — carbon black, chromium oxide, iron oxide. Vuleanizing agents - organic peroxides, phenolic resins, sulphur. The elastomers and additives are mixed homogeneousty and heated to vulcanize the mass. The molten mass is then casted to form desired shape of closures. Due to vulcanization chemical curing of the mixture takes place and results permanent shape and properties. The quality and properties of the closures depend on the rubber ‘composition and variations in manufacturing method. Standardization of formula and strict monitoring of manufacturing method are very much necessary to maintain consistent quality of the closures and to avoid batch to batch variation. Since the exact Ul O <