Evaluation of Spectroscopic, Microscopic and Hydrophobic Properties of Cetrimide and Polyethylene glycol-400 Plasticized Ethyl cellulose Films

Abstract The Cetrimide (CI) and Polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400) plasticized Ethyl cellulose (E) films were developed by solvent evaporation technique and evaluated their multifunctional properties systematically. The FTIR study affirmed the existence of secondary interactions in the composite films. FTIR-microscopy depicted the partial aggregation of CI and PEG-400 in the matrix. The UV-vis spectral analysis showed the composite films were a moderate barrier to UV light. As the result shows that the insertion of CI has resulted in more transparency. Water Contact Angle analyses demonstrated the insertion of CI & PEG-400 has decreased the hydrophobicity of E. Moisture content results revealed the films were moisture resistant and water solubility test exhibited that the plasticization effect of PEG-400 on E has resulted in a significant increase in solubility. The study of the swelling ratio assured the composite films were resistant to swell in water. Considering the results, composite films could be used in the packaging field.