Influence of storage conditions and type of plasticizers on ethylcellulose and acrylate films formed from aqueous dispersions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of storage conditions and types of plasticizers on the properties and stability of ethylcellulose and polymethacrylate films and to elucidate the mechanism for the changes observed.
METHODS: Films were prepared from Surelease, Aquacoat and Eudragit L 30D dispersions by the casting method. The effects of different plasticizers on the morphology, transparency, mechanical property and water vapour permeability of the prepared films were studied. The film samples were exposed to storage conditions of 30 degrees C and 50 or 75 %RH. Samples were removed at pre-determined time intervals for mechanical testing and analysis of plasticizer content in the films.
RESULTS: It was found that films prepared from aqueous ethylcellulose dispersions were relatively weaker and more brittle than acrylate films. Acrylate films did not show any significant change in mechanical property when stored at high humidity. However, the properties of ethylcellulose films stored at high humidity varied depending on the type of plasticizers present.
CONCLUSIONS: The changes in mechanical property of ethylcellulose films on storage were mainly attributed to the loss of plasticizers during storage, causing further coalescence of ethylcellulose films and to a smaller extent, reduction in moisture content of the film.