Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a liner comprising a septum and a layer, the layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the septum comprises an elastomer and the septum is coupled to the layer comprising the thermoplastic polymer. The present disclosure also provides for a cap assembly comprising the liner as disclosed herein and a cap, wherein the cap is coupled to the liner. Further, provided herein is a cap and vial assembly comprising the cap assembly as disclosed herein and a vial, wherein the cap assembly is coupled to the vial. Also provided herein is a method of testing water quality in a sample using an analytical instrument, wherein the sample is contained within a container comprising the liner as disclosed herein, the cap assembly as disclosed herein, or the cap and vial assembly as disclosed herein, the method comprising penetrating the liner with a syringe to remove a portion of the sample and testing the portion of the sample using the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a container includes a cap having a top with an opening therein in combination with a septum. The septum includes an elastomer in direct physical contact with an interior surface of the cap. The septum occludes the opening in the top. There is no layer of adhesive or plastic material between the elastomer and the interior surface of the cap. The cap may be made of plastic or metal. Also provided is a method of directly bonding an elastomer, such as silicone rubber, to a plastic or metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of directly bonding an elastomer, such as silicone rubber, to a plastic by separately ionizing a surface of the elastomer and ionizing a surface of the plastic and then immediately compressing the ionized surfaces together while applying pressure and heat. The invention further provides for an open top cap in which a silicone rubber septum is directly bonded to the flange of an open top plastic cap.