Products · COC
Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) is a transparent amorphous polymer produced by copolymerization of ethylene (or alpha-olefins like butene) with cyclic monomers (typically norbornene or tetracyclododecene). The bulky cyclic structure gives COC exceptional properties: very high Tg (130-180°C, tunable by composition), excellent optical transparency (>92% light transmission), low moisture absorption (<0.01%), low extractables, and good chemical resistance. COC is the workhorse for medical prefillable syringes (as a glass substitute), pharmaceutical packaging, optical films, and diagnostic device components. Reference grades from Topas Advanced Polymers (Topas) and Mitsui Chemicals (Apel) cover the full property range.
Section 1
A reference overview of the molecular architecture and the design variables that govern the performance of this polymer family.
COC is produced by the copolymerization of ethylene (or alpha-olefins) with cyclic olefin monomers such as norbornene or its derivatives. The bulky cyclic structure prevents crystallization, giving an amorphous polymer with Tg tunable from 80°C to 180°C depending on the cyclic monomer content. The combination of high Tg, low moisture absorption, and low extractables makes COC a glass-like material in many properties — a key reason it is used as a glass substitute in medical and pharmaceutical applications. COC is processed by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and film extrusion (blown and cast).
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
COC's defining properties are high Tg (130-180°C), very low moisture absorption (<0.01%), low extractables and leachables, optical transparency (>92%), and good chemical resistance. The combination of glass-like properties (transparency, low extractables) with polymer processability is unique to COC.
| Property · 性能 | Topas 5013 (Tg 130°C) | Topas 6013 (Tg 138°C) | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.02 – 1.04 g/cm³ | 1.02 – 1.04 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Tg · 玻璃化温度 | 130 °C | 138 °C | DSC |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 60 – 70 MPa | 60 – 70 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus · 弯曲模量 | 2.6 – 3.0 GPa | 2.6 – 3.0 GPa | ASTM D790 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 3 – 10 % | 3 – 10 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (1.82 MPa) · 热变形 | 125 – 130 °C | 130 – 138 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Light Transmission · 透光率 | 91 – 92 % | 91 – 92 % | ASTM D1003 |
| Water Absorption · 吸水率 | < 0.01 % | < 0.01 % | ASTM D570 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
COC is widely used in prefillable syringes (PFS) as a glass substitute. The combination of transparency, low extractables (no metal ion leaching), break resistance (unlike glass), and processability for high-volume syringe production is unique. COC syringes are increasingly used for vaccines, biologics, and high-value injectables.
COC is used in pharmaceutical blister packaging, vials, and bottles. The low moisture vapor transmission (better than LDPE for moisture-sensitive drugs), low extractables, and transparency for visual inspection are valued.
COC is used in optical films (for LCD retardation films, polarizing film protective layers) and precision optical lenses where the combination of high transparency, low birefringence, and dimensional stability is required. The high Tg is a key advantage for films used in display assembly.
COC is used in microfluidic diagnostic devices, point-of-care test cartridges, and lab-on-a-chip components. The combination of optical transparency (for optical detection), low extractables, and processability for micro-feature molding is valued.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 280 – 310 °C; mold temperature 100 – 130 °C |
| Drying | 100 °C for 4 – 6 hours (moisture < 0.02% — though less critical than PA) |
COC can be processed on conventional injection molding and extrusion equipment with some adjustments for high melt temperature. Mold surface finish is critical for optical parts — mirror-polished mold surfaces with vacuum venting are recommended. For film extrusion, COC can be co-extruded with PE, PP, and EVOH for high-barrier packaging structures. For cycloolefin polymer (COP) alternatives with different properties, see Zeonor and Zeonex grades.
Section 5
A summary of when this polymer family is the right choice and what to consider as alternatives. For project-specific grade selection, contact our business manager.
Choose COC when the application requires a glass-like polymer with high Tg, low extractables, optical transparency, and processability. For pharmaceutical blister packaging, COC is increasingly used as a PVC alternative with better moisture barrier. For microfluidic devices, COC's low extractables and optical transparency are key advantages. For lower cost, consider PP or PE if the high Tg is not needed.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topas® 5013Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | Topas Advanced Polymers | Tg 130°C · Standard · Injection grade | Medical syringe · Pharma packaging · Diagnostic |
| Topas® 6013Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | Topas Advanced Polymers | Tg 138°C · Higher heat · Injection | Pharma packaging · Optical film |
| Topas® 8007Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | Topas Advanced Polymers | Tg 180°C · High heat · Film | Optical film · High-temperature applications |
| Apel™ 6013T | Mitsui Chemicals | Tg 138°C · Film grade | Optical film · Pharma blister · Electronic |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.