Packaging Technology – Materials & Machinery MCQs With Answer

Packaging Technology – Materials & Machinery MCQs With Answer is a compact, exam-focused resource tailored for M.Pharm students preparing for MIP 203T – Pharmaceutical Production Technology. This set of multiple-choice questions covers core concepts of packaging materials (glass, polymers, laminates, aluminum foils), barrier properties, container-closure systems, and critical packaging machinery including blistering, form-fill-seal, filling and capping lines. Each question is designed to test both theoretical understanding and practical considerations such as compatibility, sterilization, contamination control, and process validation. Use these MCQs for self-assessment, quick revision before exams, and for strengthening decision-making skills in pharmaceutical packaging design and equipment selection.

Q1. Which glass type is preferred for parenteral products due to its high chemical resistance and low leachables?

• Soda-lime glass (Type III)
• Borosilicate glass (Type I)
• Soda-lime treated glass (Type II)
• Container glass for food

Correct Answer: Borosilicate glass (Type I)

Q2. Which polymer is most commonly used for blister thermoforming because of good clarity and formability?

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Correct Answer: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Q3. In cold-formed (cold-rolled) blister packaging, what is the primary material used for the blister base?

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Aluminum-based laminate (cold form foil)
• Polystyrene (PS)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Correct Answer: Aluminum-based laminate (cold form foil)

Q4. Which parameter measures the permeation of water vapor through a packaging film?

• Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)
• Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR)
• Carbon Dioxide Transmission Rate (CDTR)
• Tensile Strength

Correct Answer: Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR)

Q5. Which sealing technique is most appropriate for induction-sealable aluminum foils on plastic containers?

• Heat-sealing by hot jaws
• Ultrasonic welding
• Induction sealing with an electromagnetic coil
• Screw capping without seal

Correct Answer: Induction sealing with an electromagnetic coil

Q6. Which closure feature is essential for child-resistant packaging while remaining accessible to adults?

• Snap-on cap without locking
• Push-and-turn mechanism
• Simple screw cap
• Flip-top with single hinge

Correct Answer: Push-and-turn mechanism

Q7. Which property of a polymeric packaging material is most critical to prevent oxidation-sensitive drugs from degrading?

• High tensile strength
• Low oxygen transmission rate (OTR)
• High gloss finish
• Low density

Correct Answer: Low oxygen transmission rate (OTR)

Q8. In blister packaging, what is the main function of a PVdC coating applied to PVC film?

• Improve heat-sealability only
• Enhance barrier to moisture and oxygen
• Increase film transparency exclusively
• Reduce film stiffness for packaging machines

Correct Answer: Enhance barrier to moisture and oxygen

Q9. Which machine is specifically designed to perform simultaneous filling, capping and labeling in a continuous rotary process?

• Linear intermittent filling machine
• Rotary filling and capping machine
• Thermoforming blister machine
• Cartoning machine

Correct Answer: Rotary filling and capping machine

Q10. What is the principal advantage of form-fill-seal (FFS) vertical machines for sterile unit-dose liquids?

• Lower quality standards than aseptic isolators
• High-speed, closed aseptic environment with minimal manual handling
• Ability to use heavy glass containers only
• Preferential use for bulk powders only

Correct Answer: High-speed, closed aseptic environment with minimal manual handling

Q11. Which test is most appropriate to evaluate container-closure integrity (CCI) for vials after crimping?

• Visual inspection for label alignment
• Helium leak detection or vacuum decay
• Pharmaceutical assay of drug potency
• pH measurement of solution

Correct Answer: Helium leak detection or vacuum decay

Q12. When selecting a desiccant for dry powder inhalers, which characteristic is most important?

• High moisture absorption capacity and non-reactivity with drug
• Bright color for patient appeal
• Ability to dissolve in the formulation
• Magnetic properties

Correct Answer: High moisture absorption capacity and non-reactivity with drug

Q13. Which packaging material is unsuitable for ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization because of poor gas permeability?

• Non-porous metallic foils without perforation
• Medical-grade Tyvek® (spunbonded polyethylene)
• Breathable paper-plastic laminate with perforations
• Porous sterilization wraps

Correct Answer: Non-porous metallic foils without perforation

Q14. Which parameter is critical to control on a capping machine to ensure tamper-evident seals are consistent?

• Cap color
• Applied torque and torque profile
• Packaging artwork alignment
• Label adhesive viscosity

Correct Answer: Applied torque and torque profile

Q15. Which type of blister pocket design helps reduce tablet breakage during high-speed blistering?

• Sharp-edged deep pockets
• Rounded pocket radii with appropriate depth
• Zero-depth flat pockets
• Pockets with multiple sharp creases

Correct Answer: Rounded pocket radii with appropriate depth

Q16. Which secondary packaging requirement is essential for serialization and track-and-trace compliance?

• Opaque cartons to hide barcodes
• Unique machine-readable identifiers and aggregation labeling
• Single global label for all markets without differentiation
• Removal of batch numbers to speed packing

Correct Answer: Unique machine-readable identifiers and aggregation labeling

Q17. Which inspection technology is most effective for detecting broken tablets inside sealed blister packs on-line?

• UV lamp for label curing
• X-ray inspection for density and shape anomalies
• Manual visual inspection only
• Vibration analysis of machine frame

Correct Answer: X-ray inspection for density and shape anomalies

Q18. Which lamination structure is typically used to provide both mechanical strength and an effective moisture barrier for sachets?

• Single layer polyethylene film
• Paper/aluminum foil/polyester (PET) laminated structure
• Uncoated porous paper only
• Glassine foil without polymer

Correct Answer: Paper/aluminum foil/polyester (PET) laminated structure

Q19. During validation of a blister packaging line, which parameter is most indicative of consistent seal integrity?

• Frequency of machine lubrication
• Peel strength or seal strength measurements across runs
• Operator’s personal protective equipment color
• Ambient music in the production area

Correct Answer: Peel strength or seal strength measurements across runs

Q20. Which factor must be assessed when selecting plastic tubing for peristaltic filling machines used for biologics?

• Tubing color solely for branding
• Biocompatibility, extractables/leachables profile and mechanical resilience
• Conductivity of the tubing material
• Ability to be magnetized

Correct Answer: Biocompatibility, extractables/leachables profile and mechanical resilience

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