Fluoropolymer Barrier Materials For Containers

Abstract

A container having a barrier layer is provided. The container may be of thermoplastic and the barrier may inhibit materials from leaching from the thermoplastic material or from extraction of compounds from medicants by the thermoplastic. A process is also described that allows for molding thin barrier layers as container lines and for forming thermoplastic containers with barrier liners.

1 .- 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A syringe stopper comprising:
 an elastomeric body; and   an expanded polymer positioned on said elastomeric body.   
     
     
         43 . The syringe stopper of  claim 42 , wherein said expanded polymer is an expanded fluoropolymer. 
     
     
         44 . The syringe stopper of  claim 43 , wherein said expanded fluoropolymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
         45 . The syringe stopper of  claim 43 , wherein said expanded fluoropolymer is densified expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
         46 . The syringe stopper of  claim 43 , wherein said expanded fluoropolymer has a thickness from 0.5 microns to 20 microns. 
     
     
         47 . The syringe stopper of  claim 42 , wherein said elastomeric body is comprised of a rubber constructed of butyl, bromobutyl, chlorobutyl, silicone, nitrile, styrene butadiene, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene, fluoroelastomers and blends thereof. 
     
     
         48 . The syringe stopper of  claim 42 , wherein said densified expanded fluoropolymer is pre-treated with at least one treatment selected from chemical etching, plasma treating, corona, and physical modification. 
     
     
         49 . The syringe stopper of  claim 42 , wherein said densified expanded fluoropolymer is post-treated with at least one treatment selected from chemical etching, plasma treating, corona, physical modification. 
     
     
         50 . The syringe stopper of  claim 45 , further comprising a plurality of barrier polymers positioned on said densified expanded fluoropolymer. 
     
     
         51 . A syringe comprising the syringe stopper of  claim 42 . 
     
     
         52 . The syringe of  claim 51 , wherein said syringe is free of lubricant.