Effect of Eudragit® NE 40D on The Properties of Pectin Film-Based Polymer Blends

Abstract

In this work, pectin was used as the primary polymer component while Eudragit® NE 40D was used as polymer blending for the preparation of the thin films. Glycerin was used as a plasticizer. The samples were prepared by a solvent casting method, and their thickness, physicomechanical properties, and moisture ability were characterized. The ratio of Eudragit® NE 40D to pectin was varied to obtain films with tunable mechanical properties and moisture ability. The appearance of the pectin-based blended films was yellowish and transparent by visual observation, and the thicknesses of the pectin-based blended films were in the range of 102–138 µm. The mechanical property of softness of the pectin-based blended films was measured after blending with Eudragit® NE 40D. Thermal stability of pectin-based blended film was also dependent on the amount of Eudragit® NE 40D added; a broadly endothermic and exothermic transition peak were observed. The amorphous state was found in the pectin-based blended films. The cross-sectional morphology of the pectin-based blended films showed a homogeneous film without pores, cracks, or cavities. The moisture content and moisture uptake of the pectin-based blended films were in the range of 18.89–27.52% and 3.38–6.00%, respectively. Overall, the pectin-based blended films showed good properties and these results indicate that pectin-based blended films can potentially be used to prepare thin films for medical and pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery film dosage forms.