Plasticizer Effects on Physical-Mechanical Properties of Solvent Cast Soluplus® Films

Soluplus (R) is a novel amphiphilic polymer that has been shown to enhance the solubility and drug dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. However, there still is a lack of information regarding the physical mechanical properties of Soluplus (R) with addition of the plasticizers. This study characterized the mechanical properties of Soluplus (R) with four different plasticizers. The plasticizers selected were polyethylene glycol 6, triethyl citrate, propylene glycol, and glycerin; they were studied at three different levels (15%, 20%, and 25% w/w). The effects of these plasticizers on the glass transition temperature, tensile strength, percent elongation, and Young's modulus of free films made from Soluplus (R) were measured and the toughness and ratio of tensile strength to Young's modulus were calculated. These results showed these four plasticizers are capable to plasticizing Soluplus (R) as indicated by the glass transition temperature lowering, tensile strength, and Young's modulus while increasing the percent elongation and film toughness. Among the plasticizers tested, polyethylene glycol 6 showed greatest changed in the mechanical properties studied.