Methylcellulose Films Research Articles

Effect of 1,4-Napthaquinone (NQ) and benzophenone (BPH)on the photodegradation and biodegradation of methyl cellulose film

The induced photodegradation of methyl cellulose (MC) films in air was investigated in the absence and presence of aromatic carbonyl compounds(photosenssitizers): 1,4-naphthaquinone (NQ) and benzophenone (BPH) by accelerated weathering tester. The addition of (0.01 wt %) of low molecular weight aromatic carbonyl compounds to cellulose derivatives films(25µm in thickness) enhanced the photodegradation of the polymer films.The photodegradation rate was measured by the increase in carbonyl absorbance. Decreases in solution viscosity and reduction of molecular weight were also observed in the irradiated samples. Changes in the number-average chain scission, the degree of deterioration and in the quantum yield of chain scission values are also observed, and it was concluded that branching or cross-linking has occurred for cellulose derivative with NQ and BPH. Findings from all analytical techniques indicated that the 1,4-naphthaquinone (NQ) photosensitizer enhance the photodegradation of methyl cellulose more than benzophenone (BPH). The effect of the photosensitizer concentration, (ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 %), on the rate of photodegradation was also monitored for MC films. The rates are increased with increasing the photosensitizer concentration. The effect of film thickness is also studied at fixed sensitizer concentration (0.05%), and results show that the rate of cellulose derivative photodegradation decreases with increasing film thickness. The rate constants of the photodegradation of the photosensitizers deduced in cellulose derivatives films, [at concentration of (0.1%)by weight and thickness (25µm)]. Biodegradation of irradiated cellulose derivatives films was conclusively established with bacteria type Pseudomonas aeuroginosa Rb-19 isolated from crude oil. The amount of bacteria growth on MC after 30 days was lower, while there was no growth observed in MC with BPH

Novel nanoemulsion-loaded hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose films as bioactive food packaging materials containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil

This study was conducted in response to a gap in the production of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) edible films from Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) and to survey the preservation effect of natural edible films on the vapor phase. For these purpose varying concentrations of SKEO ranging from 1.25 % (EF1) to 7.5 % (EF5) led to producing different edible films for potential food packaging applications and the physicochemical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of edible films were evaluated across solid, liquid, and vapor phases. The incorporation of nanoemulsions into the polymer films led to an increase in thickness and opacity, while the addition of SKEO resulted in reduced water solubility without impacting film density. Notably, the antibacterial efficacy of the films was most pronounced against S. aureus, with a zone of inhibition measuring 41 ± 1 mm for EF5 on solid media. Time killing assays further demonstrated that specific formulations (EF3, EF4, and EF5) were capable of eradicating all microorganisms within 60 min. Moreover, SKEO edible films exhibited significant inhibitory effects against E. coli under refrigeration conditions (4 °C). These results highlighted the effect of herbal edible films in enhancing the functionality of bioactive food packaging technologies.

Effect of Cremophor RH40, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, and Mixing Speed on Physicochemical Properties of Films Containing Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded with Furosemide Using the Box-Behnken Design.

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of H-K4M hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with furosemide. A hot homogenization technique and an ultrasonic probe were used to prepare and reduce the size of the NLCs. Films were made using the casting technique. This study used a Box-Behnken design to evaluate the influence of three key independent variables, specifically H-K4M concentration (X1), surfactant Cremophor RH40 concentration (X2), and mixing speed (X3), on the physicochemical properties of furosemide-loaded NLCs and films. The furosemide-loaded NLCs had a particle size ranging from 54.67 to 99.13 nm, and a polydispersity index (PDI) ranging from 0.246 to 0.670. All formulations exhibited a negative zeta potential, ranging from -7.05 to -5.61 mV. The prepared films had thicknesses and weights ranging from 0.1240 to 0.2034 mm and 0.0283 to 0.0450 g, respectively. The drug content was over 85%. Film surface wettability was assessed based on the contact angle, ranging from 32.27 to 68.94°. Film tensile strength varied from 1.38 to 7.77 MPa, and their elongation at break varied from 124.19 to 170.72%. The ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the complete incorporation of the drug in the film matrix. Therefore, the appropriate selection of values for key parameters in the synthesis of HPMC films containing drug-loaded NLCs is important in the effective development of films for medical applications.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) leaf extract incorporated methylcellulose active films: A sustainable strategy for browning inhibition in apple slice packaging

Methylcellulose, a prominent polysaccharide prevalent in the food sector, was considered to fabricate the active films with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Leaf Extract (NLE) as an active agent. FTIR analysis confirms the intermolecular -OH bonding, and SEM micrograms demonstrate methylcellulose active films' homogeneous, dense morphologic appearance. Due to the crosslinking effect of glutaraldehyde and noni leaf extract, tensile strength (41.83 ± 0.134 MPa) and crystallinity (62.91 %) of methylcellulose films were improved. Methylcellulose active films suppress water and moisture uptake at various relative humidities. The inhibition capability against foodborne pathogens and the excellent antioxidant activity [DPPH (93.191 ± 1.384 %) and ABTS (90.523 ± 1.412 %)] of NLE incorporation suggested that food packed in methylcellulose active films were effective against pathogenic and oxidative attacks. During preservation, to ensure the apple slices' nutritional values, they are covered with physiochemically enhanced methylcellulose active films for up to 120 h. The minimum reduction in vitamin C, reducing sugar content, percentage weight loss, pH, and total phenolic content of apple slices preserved in MGN active films at room temperature suggests it is an affordable and efficient replacement to traditional single-use plastic packaging in the cut fruit industry.

Enhanced mechanical and antimicrobial properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films incorporating silver nanoparticles for wound dressing applications

Enhanced mechanical and antimicrobial properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films incorporating silver nanoparticles for wound dressing applications

Enhancing the bioavailability and antioxidant activity of natamycin E235–ferulic acid loaded polyethylene glycol/carboxy methyl cellulose films as anti-microbial packaging for food application

This study investigated the development of biodegradable films made from a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and mixtures from natamycin and ferulic acid. The films were characterized for their surface microstructure, antioxidant activity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, permeability and antifungal/bacterial activity. The addition of natamycin and ferulic acid to the film matrix enhanced antioxidant activity, thermal stability, antimicrobial activity, reduced the water vapor permeability (WVP) to 1.083 × 10−10 g × m−1s−1Pa−1, imparted opaque color and increased opacity up to 3.131 A mm−1. The attendance of natamycin and ferulic acid inside films created a clear roughness shape with agglomerates on the surface of films and caused a clear inhibition zone for Aspergillus niger, E. coli and C. botulinum. The utilization of PG/CMC/N-F packaging material on Ras cheese had a noticeable effect, resulting in a slight decrease in moisture content from 34.23 to 29.17 %. Additionally, it helped maintain the titrable acidity within the range of 0.99 % to 1.11 % and the force required for puncture from 0.035 to 0.052 N with non-significant differences. Importantly, these changes did not significantly affect the sensory qualities of Ras cheese during the storage period.

Facile superhydrophobic modification on HPMC film using polydimethylsiloxane and starch granule coatings

The excessive water sensitivity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films prevent them from being used extensively. In order to overcome this limitation, superhydrophobic HPMC films were meticulously crafted through the utilization of a composite of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and ball-milled rice starch, corn starch, or potato starch (RS/CS/PS) for the coating process. Initially possessing hydrophilic properties, the HPMC Film (CA = 49.3 ± 1.8°) underwent a transformative hydrophobic conversion upon the application of PDMS, resulting in a static contact angle measuring up to 103.4 ± 2.0°. Notably, the synergistic combination of PDMS-coated HPMC with ball-milled starch demonstrated exceptional superhydrophobic attributes. Particularly, the treated HPMC-based film, specifically the HP-CS-2 h film, showcased an impressive contact angle of 170.5° alongside a minimal sliding angle of 5.2°. The impact of diverse starch types and the ball milling treatment on the PDMS/starch coatings and HPMC film was thoroughly examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS), and particle size analysis. These studies demonstrated that the low surface energy and roughness required for the creation of superhydrophobic HPMC-based films were imparted by the hierarchical structure formed by the application of PDMS/ball-milled starch. Chemical compounds studied in this articlePolydimethylsiloxane (PubChem CID: 24764); Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (PubChem CID: 671); Ethyl acetate (PubChem CID: 8857).

Development and characterization of cellulose nanofiber reinforced hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films functionalized with propolis-loaded zein nanoparticles and its application for cheddar cheese storage

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films were functionalized with propolis-loaded zein nanoparticles (ZNP) to develop active, printable, and heat-sealable films. The films with 0, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 mg/mL propolis-loaded ZNP, named 0ZNP, 0.10ZNP, 0.25ZNP, 0.50ZNP, and 0.75ZNP, respectively, were characterized for their mechanical, physicochemical, structural, functional and optical properties and antioxidant activity. The addition of propolis-loaded ZNP did not change tensile strength (P > 0.05), but increased elongation at break (from 24.72 to 36.58 %) (P < 0.05) for 0.25ZNP film. A water contact angle increased significantly (P < 0.05) for 0.50ZNP (~45 %) and 0.75ZNP (~137 %) films. The 0.25ZNP and 0.75ZNP films were evaluated for packaging cheddar cheese under refrigerated storage for 30 days, and resulted in comparable water activity, pH, titratable acidity, and lipid oxidation (P > 0.05) with those packaged by LDPE film and vacuum package. The developed films can function as eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic food packaging.

Characterization of functional properties of edible methylcellulose films containing Momordica charantia L. ethanolic extract

Bu çalışmada, Momordica charantia L. etanol ekstraktının (ME) farklı konsantrasyonları (% 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 ve 1) kullanılarak metilselüloz yenilebilir filmler (MC) üretilmiştir. MC filmlerin fizikokimyasal özellikleri ile antimikrobiyal (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus 6538 IP, Staphylococcus epidermis ATCC 1228, Vibrio parahemolyticus ATCC 17802, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 13315'e karşı) ve antioksidan aktiviteleri açısından analizleri yapılmıştır. Fourier dönüşümlü kızılötesi (FTIR) spektroskopisi analizi, polimer ve ME arasındaki fonksiyonel grup etkileşimlerini belirlemede kullanılırken, termal gravimetrik analiz (TGA) ve diferansiyel taramalı kalorimetri analizi ise fizikokimyasal karakterizasyonu tanımlamada kullanılmıştır. Kontrol filmlere kıyasla, 24 saat sonunda en yüksek antimikrobiyal etki Proteus vulgaris'e karşı (yaklaşık 1.93 log KOB/mL) %1 ME içeren MC filmlerinde elde edilmiştir. ME konsantrasyonunun artması ile film mukavemeti arasında ters bir ilişki gözlemlenirken, su buharı geçirgenlik değerlerinde önemli bir azalma, temas açısı değerlerinde iyileşme ve hidrofilik özelliklerde belirgin bir artış tespit edilmiştir. Tüm bu sonuçların ışığında, MCME film örnekleri biyolojik olarak parçalanabilir özellikte ve yenilebilir gıda ambalajlama uygulamaları için uygun bileşenler olarak nitelendirilmiştir.

Methyl cellulose/okra mucilage composite films, functionalized with Hypericum perforatum oil and gentamicin, as a potential wound dressing

There is a growing demand for the development of functional wound dressings enriched with bioactive natural compounds to improve the quality of life of the population by accelerating the healing process of chronic wounds. In this regard, a functional composite film of okra mucilage (OM) and methylcellulose (MC) incorporated with Hypericum perforatum oil (Hp) and gentamicin (G) was prepared and characterized as a wound dressing. Increasing Hp resulted in improved film properties with a more porous structure, higher WVTR, and lower surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, incorporating Hp into OM:MC films led to increased elongation at the break while reducing the tensile strength of the films. The highest values of total antioxidant capacity (1.09–1.16 mM trolox equivalent) and total phenolic content (13.76–16.94 μg GA equivalent mL−1) were measured in the composite films containing the highest Hp concentration (1.5 %). In addition, OM:MC/HpG composite films exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus and prevented the transmission of these bacteria through the films. Hp incorporation reduced the cytotoxic effects of OM:MC films on BJ cells and increased the wound closure rate in vitro. In conclusion, the developed OM:MC/HpG composite film can be a promising candidate as a novel wound dressing with its superior properties.

Development of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films with corn silk polysaccharides and its application as biomaterial in enhancing the shelf life of mozzarella cheese

AbstractHydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPM) is a viscous modified natural polymer that is utilised as thickener, emulsifier and reducer of serum cholesterol. Novel films composed from HPM and corn silk polysaccharides (CSP) were prepared (HPM‐corn silk [CS]). The impact of using different percentages of CSP on the characteristics of HPM‐CS was studied. Results showed that replacing 37.5% of HPM with CSP led to a significant improvement in mechanical properties, with an increase of 58.71% for tensile strength and 54.29% for elongation at break. In addition, the produced films showed improved opacity, antioxidant activities and a smooth, continuous surface without any grooves, as well as being biodegradable. However, the thermal stability was reduced, and the crystallinity shapes were disrupted at higher concentrations due to the inclusion of CSP in the HPM‐CS films. The best HPM concentration (1 g/100 mL) with optimum CSP concentration of (0.6 g/100 mL) was used as food packaging material for low‐moisture mozzarella cheese. The packaging material kept the stability of total microbial count in hygienic scale up to 40 days of cold storage, moisture loss and pH values up to 30 days. Additionally, the results of hedonic sensory evaluation were satisfied compared with fresh cheese until 30 days of storage.

Synthesis of flexible polymer nanocomposites based on methyl cellulose/copper oxide with desired dielectric properties for electrical applications

Herein, flexible MC/CuO composite consisting of methyl cellulose (MC) and copper oxide (CuO) were successfully fabricated by casting solution technique. The synthesized films were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and EDX methods, which confirm the successful preparation of the composite MC/CuO. Moreover, SEM images are investigated homogenous distribution of CuO in MC. The modulus, conductivity, and impedance of MC and CuO films were measured in frequency 50 Hz to 5 × 105 Hz. The addition of CuONPs to MC films induces a significant improvement in the permittivity due to the high level of scission. The conductivity is raised from 0.08 × 10−6 S/cm for MC to 6.77 × 10−6 S/cm for MC/9%CuO, and the dielectric constant raised from 6.32 to 70.6 at frequency of 100 Hz. The energy density is increased for MC from 2.79 × 10−5 J/m3 to 18.5 × 10−5 J/m3 and to 31.2 × 10−5 J/m3 by enhancing CuO content from 3% to 9% respectively. The barrier potential energy Wm was lowered from 0.58 eV for MC to 0.38 eV and to 0.36 eV after the increases CuO content from 3% to 9%. This results confirmed an improvement in the characteristics of MC/CuO films to be applied these films in a variety of industrial devices, including batteries and super-capacitors.

Development and characterization of cinnamon essential oil incorporated active, printable and heat sealable cellulose nanofiber reinforced hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films were incorporated with antioxidant cinnamon essential oil (CEO) to develop active, printable, and heat-sealable films. CEO was carried into the films via three types of active systems: β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) encapsulation, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) Pickering emulsion (CNC-P), or the combination thereof (CNC-P/β-CD). The films were characterized for their mechanical, physicochemical, structural, thermal, and optical properties along with CEO release, printability, and heat seal strength. The Control film (without active CEO) and CNC-P film showed the highest transparency, 17.02% and 18.17%/mm, respectively, followed by the CNC-P/β-CD (12.86%/mm) and β-CD (11.68%/mm) films. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in water vapor permeability (WVP) was observed between the Control film stored at 33% RH (72.01 g mm/m2 d kPa) and 53% RH (54.45 g mm/m2 d kPa) whereas no difference in WVP for β-CD, CNC-P, and CNC-P/β-CD films under RH range of 33–84% (P > 0.05). The presence of active CEO in the films enhanced the moisture barrier and stability of films without influencing the mechanical and thermal properties of the films. The CEO incorporated films via both CNC Pickering emulsion and β-CD encapsulation prolonged the release of CEO. All CEO incorporated films were printable by inkjet and stamp inks and showed good heat seal strength (∼61–73 N/m). This study provided new strategies to develop cellulose-based active films with extended antioxidant function and sealable and printable properties to replace single-use plastic packaging for various food, especially high-fat food items.

The effect of polymeric films of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/chitosan on ofloxacin release, diffusion, and biological activity

AbstractInfectious diseases caused by resistant bacteria have been investigated by several researchers recently. Ofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic used against resistant microorganisms and in different routes of administration. Transdermal drug delivery is used to reduce drug toxicity, avoid first‐pass metabolism, and reduce fluctuations in drug concentration in the body. Ofloxacin was formulated in a transdermal polymeric formula using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and chitosan at different ratios in the presence of palmitic acid as a permeation enhancer. Physical characterization, drug release and diffusion, drug matrix association, and antimicrobial assay have been investigated using different techniques including HPLC, fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Franz cells diffusion, and UV spectroscopy. Ofloxacin release was successfully accomplished in many polymeric formulas containing a high ratio of HPMC with a maximum drug release of 53%. Formulas selected for antimicrobial assay indicate that sustained release patches have successfully inhibited microbial and biofilm growth with a percentage inhibition of more than 90%. In conclusion, antibiotics can be formulated in transdermal polymeric film to target skin infection and reduce drug toxicity and avoid drug first metabolism for drugs reaching systemic circulation which has a direct influence on drug activity.

Extraction and characterization of novel cellulose nanocrystals from Artemisia scoparia straw and their application in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films

Abstract This research study reports on the extraction of nanocellulose followed by structural and thermal analysis and application of nanocellulose in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) nanocomposite films. The cellulose nanocrystals were isolated from Artemisia scoparia straw through an alkaline treatment and bleaching process, followed by sulphuric acid hydrolysis. The HPMC nanocomposite films were prepared by a solution casting method and dried at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared-ray (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to analyze the structural and thermal properties of the materials, including the cellulosic material, the nanomaterial, and the nanocomposites. The FTIR spectra indicated that the extraction procedure was adequate, demonstrating the removal of lignin and hemicellulose and the preparation of nanocellulose. The TGA results revealed the thermal degradation pattern of the cellulose and showed that the HPMC films had enhanced thermal stability. This research demonstrates that A. scoparia straw has potential for the extraction of cellulosic nanomaterial and a wide range of applications in nanocomposites.

Composite Films Based on Methyl Cellulose Mixtures with Poly(urethane-imide) Obtained from Their Solutions in Dimethylacetamide

Composite films of methyl cellulose and poly(urethane-imide) are obtained. At the poly(urethane-imide) content in the films above 50% phase separation of the polymers is observed. Using the methods of dynamic mechanical analysis and X-ray diffraction the structural organization of the films is studied, the temperatures of relaxation transitions are determined, and the mechanical characteristics of the composite films are investigated.

Effect of Onion Peel Extract on Structural, Mechanical, Thermal, and Antioxidant Properties of Methylcellulose Films

Effect of Onion Peel Extract on Structural, Mechanical, Thermal, and Antioxidant Properties of Methylcellulose Films

HPMC films functionalized by zein/carboxymethyl tamarind gum stabilized Pickering emulsions: Influence of carboxymethylation degree

Pickering emulsions are promising systems to act as carriers of active hydrophobic components, and to improve compatibility and the water vapor barrier properties of bio-based films. This study aimed to investigated the effects of cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsions (CEOEs) using zein/carboxymethyl tamarind gum as stabilizers on the mechanical, barrier, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films, and assessed the influence of carboxymethylation degree. In addition, the effect of the packaging was studied on the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Results showed that the droplet size reduced approximately from 93.03 to 10.59 μm with the increasing degree of substitution (DS), greatly facilitating the droplet uniform distribution in film matrix. Moreover, with the addition of CEOEs, significant increase was observed with the tensile strength from 8.46 to 25.41 MPa, and the water vapor permeability decreased from 6.18 × 10−10 to 4.24 × 10−10 g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1. The films exhibited good UV barrier properties without sacrificing the transparency after adding CEO. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the prepared films have also been greatly improved. Consequently, the CEOEs was an ideal alternative for incorporation with HPMC based films for increasing the shelf life of cherry tomatoes.

Waste Orange Peels as a Source of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Their Use for the Development of Nanocomposite Films.

To date, approximately 30-50% of food is wasted from post-harvesting to consumer usage. Typical examples of food by-products are fruit peels and pomace, seeds, and others. A large part of these matrices is still discarded in landfills, while a small portion is valorized for bioprocessing. In this context, a feasible strategy to valorize food by-products consists of their use for the production of bioactive compounds and nanofillers, which can be further used to functionalize biobased packaging materials. The focus of this research was to create an efficient methodology for the extraction of cellulose from leftover orange peel after juice processing and for its conversion into cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for use in bionanocomposite films for packaging materials. Orange CNCs were characterized by TEM and XRD analyses and added as reinforcing agents into chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (CS/HPMC) films enriched with lauroyl arginate ethyl (LAE®). It was evaluated how CNCs and LAE® affected the technical and functional characteristics of CS/HPMC films. CNCs revealed needle-like shapes with an aspect ratio of 12.5, and average length and width of 500 nm and 40 nm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the high compatibility of the CS/HPMC blend with CNCs and LAE®. The inclusion of CNCs increased the films' tensile strength, light barrier, and water vapor barrier properties while reducing their water solubility. The addition of LAE® improved the films' flexibility and gave them biocidal efficacy against the main bacterial pathogens that cause foodborne illness, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica.

Improved hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films through incorporation of amylose-N-1-hexadecylammonium chloride inclusion complexes

In order to replace petroleum based films used in food packaging, improved biobased options are needed. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) has value, but in terms of oxygen and water vapor permeability it is deficient. Blended films were produced using HPMC and amylose-N-1-hexadecylammonium chloride inclusion complex (HexAM) that required no plasticizer. The resulting blended films were clear, had little color and had increased product value relative to the control. With the addition of the HexAM, the crystallinity of the film increased as seen by x-ray diffraction spectra. By SEM the surfaces of the films were relatively smooth by scanning electron microscopy. However, atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the control films were smoother (roughness 1.2 nm rms), relative to the 50 % HexAM blend films (roughness 29.9 nm rms). In the infrared spectra (IR) certain peaks, such as the hydrated water and glycosidic bond peaks, either increased or decreased in a liner fashion with incorporation of HexAM. Using microscopic IR, it was shown that the surfaces of the films were chemically homogeneous on a 1.56 µm scale. Tensile strength and elongation decreased slightly with increasing HexAM. However, increasing the HexAM provided increased thermal durability as evidenced by a reduction in the loss of modulus with heating. This attribute will have value in the market. The addition of HexAM decreased the permeation of oxygen and water vapor through the films and made the film surface more hydrophobic. These characteristics will resolve deficiencies in HPMC and allow it to enter new markets. In limited testing, the HexAM containing films provided microbial and thermal resistance. For control HPMC films, gas permeability, water sensitivity and poor thermal stability limit the applications of HPMC.