COC - Crystal Clear Advantages

The Plastics Center in Leipzig gGmbH (KUZ) specializes in the production of sheets made from COC (Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer) from TOPAS Advanced Polymers GmbH. What makes COC special? COC belongs to the family of polyolefins. Its physiological compatibility is inherited from this family. But unlike polyethylene and polypropylene, the material is amorphous and highly transparent. Outstanding optical properties, chemical resistance, and sterilizability make the material interesting for biotechnological and medical applications.

Where is the material used?

The trend in chemical and diagnostic test methods is towards increasingly miniaturized solutions at ever lower costs. To practically implement these demands, efficient manufacturing processes such as injection molding and the thermoplastic processing of COC are particularly suited and are replacing conventional materials like glass. Examples of applications include microfluidic blood tests ("Lab-on-a-chip"), Lab-CDs, DNA tests, immunoelectrophoresis, solid-phase extraction, and isoelectric focusing (IEF, a biochemical method for protein separation).

The high transparency and largely stress-free nature are utilized in optical applications such as lenses, as material for waveguides, and for endoscopic and spectroscopic applications.

Test plates made of COC

The KUZ offers injection molding of test plates measuring 100x100 mm in various thicknesses up to 6 mm. Both highly transparent and pigmented as well as matte versions are possible. In collaboration with TOPAS Advanced Polymers GmbH, the suitable type is selected for the respective application.

TOPAS Advanced Polymers GmbH:

"The types 8007, 5013, 6013, 6015, and 6017 impress with properties such as good thermoplastic flowability, high stiffness and strength, as well as low density and high transparency. Chemical resistance against acids and alkalis, alcohols, and aqueous solutions completes the property profile, especially for applications in medicine and diagnostics. COC is compliant with current medical regulations and, depending on the type, gamma and/or steam sterilizable." (Michael Grimm, Market Development, Topas Advanced Polymer GmbH)

Plastics Center in Leipzig gGmbH:

"The KUZ has long specialized in the production of sheets made from COC. Our customers mainly come from medicine and biotechnology." (Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Annerose Hüttl, Plastics Center in Leipzig gGmbH (KUZ))