Thermal, mechanical and functional properties of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) coatings obtained from neutralized aqueous solutions

Abstract

This study investigated the thermal, mechanical and functional properties of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) film coatings obtained from neutralized aqueous solutions. A novel salt forming agent, 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol (MAP), was used for the neutralization and dissolution of CAP in water. Triethylcitrate (TEC) was used as the plasticizer at 10–35% levels. Thermal and mechanical properties of free films plasticized with 10–35% TEC were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS). The physical stability of CAP/MAP films stored at 40 and 50°C was compared to ammoniated CAP films with respect to dissolution times in pH 6.8 buffer. Plasticized CAP/MAP films were also sprayed at three weight gains (6, 8 and 10%) onto acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets (650 mg) using pan coating technology. The functional properties of the films were assessed for enteric integrity in 0.1 N HCI, drug release in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer and water permeability. Results have shown that CAP/MAP films plasticized with 25–35% TEC released ≤1% ASA after 2 h in 0.1 N HCl and > 95% after 1 h in buffer, thereby demonstrating their excellent functional properties. These films had high permeability to water/acid which makes them unsuitable for acid-labile drugs, since water/HCl would penetrate rapidly into the tablet core and degrade the drug. Neither the T g nor E′ values differed significantly for films that showed satisfactory functional properties. Films were stiff and brittle with E′ values in the range of 2–3 × 10 9 Pa and T g values of 108–112°C. TEC appeared to have limited solubility in the CAP/MAP polymer with reduced plasticization effects at concentrations higher than 20–25%. CAP/MAP free films were found to be superior to ammoniated CAP films with respect to extent of aging when stored at 40°C. The results clearly showed the potential use of plasticized CAP/MAP films as an enteric film former for pharmaceutical products.