Leakers as a Function of Closure Type in Gallon-Size Plastic Bottles in Simulated Small Parcel Test Environment

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the effects of vertical vibration and drops on gallon-size plastic bottles in simulated small parcel shipping tests. Three types of round and F-style bottles were tested with different finish sizes. Three different types of closures were used on each type of bottle. Six bottles of each type were filled with water and capped with each closure type and packaged in single-wall RSC corrugated boxes with partitions. The packages were subjected to drop and vibration tests after being conditioned for 72 h at normal conditions of 23°C (73.4°F) and 50% relative humidity (RH), and accelerated conditions of 40°C (104°F) and 90% RH. The bottles were checked for application torques before testing and removal torques after testing. The results show the performance of the different types of closures and finish sizes. The larger size finish (63–400) F-style bottle showed the most leaks whereas the smaller finish (33–400) round-style bottles showed the fewest leaks. The bottles that were subjected to higher temperature conditioning showed more leaks and a greater reduction in removal torques.