Optical anisotropy in solution-cast film of cellulose triacetate

The out-of-plane birefringence and its wavelength dispersion are studied employing solution-cast films of cellulose triacetate (CTA). In solution-cast process, CTA molecules are induced to align in the film plane. Although refractive index is the lowest in the oriented direction for the CTA films stretched more than 110 %, refractive index is found to be the lowest in the normal direction for the unstretched cast film. Attenuated total reflection measurements reveal that in-plane alignment of the acetyl group which provides strong polarizability anisotropy is responsible for the phenomenon. Furthermore, the out-of-plane birefringence is found to increase with increasing wavelength, i.e. extraordinary wavelength dispersion, whereas a stretched CTA film shows ordinary wavelength dispersion. The level of the out-of-plane birefringence in cast films depends on the preparation conditions, which is predictable considering the evaporation rate. Moreover, it is demonstrated for the first time that the out-of-plane birefringence and its wavelength dispersion can be modified by addition of a certain plasticizer such as tricresyl phosphate (TCP). During the evaporation, TCP molecules orient in the film plane accompanying the orientation of CTA chains by intermolecular orientation correlation, called nematic interaction. This technique will widen the scope of material design of retardation films because there are numerous liquid compounds having strong polarizability anisotropy.     

Physical structure and thermal behavior of ethylcellulose

The physical structure and properties of ethylcellulose (EC) powders of different molecular weights were examined. A molecular weight in the range of 20–144 kDa with a large polydispersity was determined. EC thermal analysis revealed a glass transition at ~130 °C and a melting temperature at ~180 °C. Glass transition temperatures increased with polymer molecular weight. Wide angle (WAXS) analysis detected an amorphous broad peak at q = 1.5 Å^?1 and a distinct Bragg’s peak at 12.6 Å, which seems to be related to a supramolecular ordered structure of the polymer. These observations were confirmed using high temperature powder X-ray diffraction analysis where the crystalline peak disappeared above the melting temperature of the polymer. Ultra-small angle (USAXS) results were fitted to the Bouacage fractal unified model and fractals with an average size of 100–600 nm with a relatively smooth surface were predicted. This prediction was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. According to our results, the EC polymer has a semi-crystalline structure, with crystalline domains within an amorphous background.     

pH-dependent release from ethylcellulose microparticles containing alginate and calcium carbonate

Ethylcellulose microparticles containing alginate and calcium carbonate nanoparticles were prepared by spray drying water-in-oil emulsion. Alginate solution (3%) in distilled water was used as an aqueous phase, ethylcellulose solution (5%) in dichloromethane as an oil phase, and sorbitan sesquioleate as an emulsifier. The nanoparticles of calcium carbonate were dispersed into the emulsion. By spray-drying the emulsion, ethylcellulose microparticles containing alginate and calcium carbonate were obtained. When the ratios of alginate to calcium carbonate were 4:1 and 2:1, the pH dependency of the release was marked and the degree of release was suppressed in acidic conditions. When the ratio increased to 1:2, the degree of release increased while the pH-dependent release profiles were maintained. Cavities created by the dissolution of calcium carbonate could account for the increased release.     

Analysis of the release process of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose matrix granules V. Release properties of ethylcellulose layered matrix granules

In the pharmaceutical preparation of a controlled release drug, it is very important and necessary to understand the release properties. In previous papers, a combination of the square-root time law and cube-root law equations was confirmed to be a useful equation for qualitative treatment. It was also confirmed that the combination equation could analyze the release properties of layered granules as well as matrix granules. The drug release property from layered granules is different from that of matrix granules. A time lag occurs before release, and the entire release property of layered granules was analyzed using the combination of the square-root time law and cube-root law equations. It is considered that the analysis method is very useful and efficient for both matrix and layered granules. Comparing the granulation methods, it is easier to control the manufacturing process by tumbling granulation (method B) than by tumbling-fluidized bed granulation (method C). Ethylcellulose (EC) layered granulation by a fluidized bed granulator might be convenient for the preparation of controlled release dosage forms as compared with a tumbling granulator, because the layered granules prepared by the fluidized bed granulator can granulate and dry at the same time. The time required for drying by the fluidized bed granulator is shorter than that by the tumbling granulator, so the fluidized bed granulator is convenient for preparation of granules in handling and shorter processing time than the tumbling granulator. It was also suggested that the EC layered granules prepared by the fluidized bed granulator were suitable for a controlled release system as well as the EC matrix granules.     

Ring-shaped morphology in solution-cast polystyrene-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer thin films

We report observation of ring-shaped morphology formed in thin films of a cylinder-forming polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) diblock copolymer cast from 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (Tetra-CE) solution via relatively fast solvent evaporation rates, in which Tetra-CE is a good solvent for both blocks but preferential affinity for the minority PMMA block. We studied the microstructure of a set of solution-cast block copolymer films dried with different solvent evaporation rates, R. The control with different R leads to keeping microstructures in different solution concentrations (phi) and bringing mechanical strain fields with different strength in the film, for which faster evaporation rates result in microstructures of lower solution concentrations and mechanical strain fields of higher strength. As R decreases from rapid evaporation (approximately 0.1 mL/h), the film microstructure evolved from an intermediate ringlike morphology sequentially to ring-shaped morphologies including loose and tight rings and then inverted phase of PS spheres in a PMMA matrix and finally reached the equilibrium phase, namely, cylinders of PMMA in a PS matrix. In view of the influence of the film constraints, the microstructure of a film with a terraced free surface profile has been examined. The results indicate that the ring-shaped morphology can form as long as the film thickness is larger than a critical value of about one microdomain spacing. In the case where the film thickness is larger than that value, the nature of solvent and the kinetics of solvent evaporation are shown to be mainly responsible for the ring-shaped morphology formation.     

High electron mobility in solution-cast and vapor-deposited phenacyl-quaterthiophene-based field-effect transistors: toward N-type polythiophenes

New carbonyl-functionalized quaterthiophenes, 5,5' '-diperfluorophenylcarbonyl-2,2':5',2' ':5' ',2' '-quaterthiophene [DFCO-4T], 5,5' '-diphenyl-2,2':5',2' ':5' ',2' '-quaterthiophene [DPCO-4T], and a polymer having the same basic motif as DFCO-4T, poly{1,4-bis[(3'-n-octyl-2,2'-dithiophene)carbonyl]-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene} [P(COFCO-4T)], have been synthesized, characterized, and the crystal structures of the molecules determined. Field-effect transistors fabricated with vapor-deposited and solution-cast films of DFCO-4T exhibit very high Ion:Ioff current ratios (up to 108) and electron mobilities up to approximately 0.51 and approximately 0.25 cm2.V-1.s-1, respectively. Solution-cast blends of P(COFCO-4T) and DFCO-4T (1:1 weight ratio) exhibit an electron mobility of approximately 0.01 cm2.V-1.s-1 (Ion:Ioff = 104).     

High-resolution solid-state 13C NMR study of ethylcellulose films

Ethylcellulose films cast from concentrated solutions of chloroform, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride were subjected to the NMR relaxation measurements including ¹H spin-lattice relaxation time (T_1H), rotating-frame ¹H spin-lattice relaxation time (T_1ρH), and ¹³C spin-lattice relaxation time (T_1C). The values of T_1ρH for carbons in the glucose units of ethyl-cellulose were of the same order of magnitude as those reported for the crystalline and noncrystalline regions of ramie cellulose. The values of T_1C for unsubstituted C2, C3 carbons were smaller than those for the corresponding carbons in the noncrystalline region of native celluloses. The T_1C values for unsubstituted C2, C3, and substituted C6 carbons showed a small but definite dependence on the solvent from which the films were cast. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Surface characterizations of spin-coated films of ethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blends

Films of pure ethylcellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymers and EC/HPMC blends were prepared from solutions by spin coating where isopropyl alcohol (IPA), water, and IPA/water cosolvent were used as solvents. Surface structures of the films were investigated using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman mapping and spectroscopy. For the films prepared from EC/HPMC blend solutions using the IPA/water cosolvent, different domain structures such as islands or pits and phase separation between EC and HPMC were observed by optical microscopy and AFM. The nature of the polymer components on the surface of the films was identified by Raman mapping and spectroscopy. Experimental results also indicated that polymer composition, solvent, and temperature during spin coating had significant impacts on surface structures of the films.     

A DSC study of the ethylcellulose adsorption on silver powders

DSC investigations reveal several bonding states of EC at the Ag surface. If O-bridged by alkoxide or carboxylic links EC is strongly adsorbed. If other tightly bonded species are present at the surface, the adsorption of EC is weak. Competitive adsorption and solvent efficiency cause a high adsorbance from EA and a low one from terpineol solution.     

Preparation,characterization, and mesophase formation of esters of ethylcellulose and methylcellulose

A range of mixed ether-esters of cellulose was prepared from partially substituted ethylcellulose and methylcellulose. The ¹³C-NMR analysis of ethylcellulose with a DS of 2.5 indicated that the hydroxyl groups at carbon six of anhydroglucose units were completely substituted. Acetylation of the ethylcellulose under different conditions yielded (acetyl) (ethyl) cellulose (AEC) samples with acetyl degree of substitution ranging from 0 to 0.5. Fully substituted (propionyl) (ethyl) cellulose (PEC) and (acetyl) (methyl) cellulose (AMC) were also prepared. Chiral nematic liquid crystals were formed in these mixed ester/ethers of cellulose in concentrated solutions of acidic solvents. The critical concentration for the phase separation of the cellulosic solutions depended on the nature of the substituent, the degree of substitution, and the solvent at a given temperature. Methylcellulose solutions in trifluoroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid form chiral nematic liquid crystals with a left-handed helicoidal structure. The acetylated methyl cellulose samples did not show the reversal of handedness with increasing acetyl content that was previously observed for the corresponding ethylcellulose samples. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

UV protective textiles by the deposition of functional ethylcellulose nanoparticles

Ethylcellulose (EC) nanoparticles have been widely investigated for their use as drug delivery systems. However, their application on the textile field has been hardly studied. In this work, the use of EC nanoparticles as nanocarriers of active or lipid soluble compounds and their subsequent deposition on cotton textile is proposed in order to obtain functional textiles. A UV protective textile has been obtained after deposition of EC nanoparticles loaded with a liposoluble UV filter on cotton fabrics. The EC/cotton affinity and the attachment mechanism of EC nanoparticles on cotton substrate was studied by means of thermal behaviour evaluation, estimation of adhesion work (W_A) and wash resistance tests. It is proposed that during EC nanoparticles deposition on cotton fabric, entanglement of polymeric chains is favoured, thus improving adhesion of EC nanoparticles on cotton substrate. The functionality of cotton textile was assessed by ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) measurements, showing a high UPF value (UPF = 45). Evaluation of UPF as a function of washing cycles were carried out on treated cotton fabrics. Washed fabrics still provided good UV protection (UPF ≥ 25), evidencing the presence of nanoparticles after washing cycles and the durability of the conferred functionality.     

Induced alignment of a solution-cast discotic hexabenzocoronene derivative for electronic devices investigated by surface X-ray diffraction

A surface X-ray diffraction study is presented showing that highly ordered and uniaxially aligned hexa(3,7-dimethyl-octanyl)hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC-C8,2) films can be fabricated by crystallization from solution onto friction-transferred poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) layers. Three crystalline HBC-C8,2 majority phases result. In all three phases, the HBC-C8,2 molecules self-organize into columns which are uniaxially aligned along the direction defined by the PTFE macromolecules of the substrate. The three phases are quite similar, the major difference being their orientation with respect to the substrate. A quasi-2D epitaxial growth mechanism with a grapho-epitaxial component for one of the three phases explains the formation of the three rotational HBC-C8,2 variants. A method to obtain a thin film with only one phase is proposed. The results show that standard THETAV;-2THETAV; X-ray diffraction and transmission electron diffraction can be very misleading tools to estimate the crystalline quality in a thin film of complex structure.     

Biopharmaceutical evaluation of sustained-release ethylcellulose microcapsules containing amoxicillin using beagle dogs

A beta-lactam antibiotic, amoxicillin, was microencapsulated with ethylcellulose using a solvent evaporation process in liquid paraffin containing sorbitan tristearate as a dispersing agent, and the microcapsules obtained showed first-order drug release. Usage of the previous log-log relationship of cefadroxil between in vitro dissolution half-lives (T50) and the experimental release rate constants (k'r) of the drug in vivo, and the nomogram for the design of satisfactory sustained-release preparations resulted in the prediction that ethylcellulose microcapsules containing 60% amoxicillin would show the most effective sustained-release pattern. Prepared microcapsules containing various amounts of amoxicillin were administered to beagle dogs and it was found that above prediction was correct. In addition, a more precise log-log correlation concerning amoxicillin was also undertaken, good linearity was observed and the decline was very similar to that of cefadroxil.     

Orientation order and dynamics of CDCl3 in ethylcellulose/chloroform liquid crystal phases

Abstract

Deuterium quadrupole echo spectroscopy has been used to probe the orientational behaviour and dynamics of CDCl₃ molecules in ethylcellulose/chloroform chiral nematic phases. The ²H spectra of both left-handed and right-handed mesophases, formed by ethylcellulose with degrees of substitution of 2·3 and 3·0 respectively, were examined as functions of temperature and concentration. The observed quadrupolar splittings are relatively large and the magnitudes of the order parameters of the solvent molecules show little correlation with the handedness of the chiral phases. However, the ²H line shapes of these two types of chiral phase exhibit rather different temperature dependences. Spectral simulations show that the observed line shapes and their temperature variations are mainly determined by diffusion of CDCl₃ molecules along the pitch axis. The effects of centrifugation on the ²H spectra are also described.     

Analysis of the release process of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose matrix granules

The release properties of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPA) from ethylcellulose (EC, ethylcellulose 10 cps (EC#10) and/or 100 cps (EC#100)) matrix granules prepared by the extrusion granulation method were examined. The release process could be divided into two parts, and was well analyzed by applying square-root time law and cube root law equations, respectively. The validity of the treatments was confirmed by the fitness of the simulation curve with the measured curve. At the initial stage, PPA was released from the gel layer of swollen EC in the matrix granules. At the second stage, the drug existing below the gel layer dissolved, and was released through the gel layer. Also, the time and release ratio at the connection point of the simulation curves was examined to determine the validity of the analysis. Comparing the release properties of PPA from the two types of EC matrix granules, EC#100 showed more effective sustained release than EC#10. On the other hand, changes in the release property of the EC#10 matrix granule were relatively more clear than that of the EC#100 matrix granule. Thus, it was supposed that EC#10 is more available for controlled and sustained release formulations than EC#100.