An analysis of the surface chemical structure of polymethacrylate (Eudragit) film coating polymers by XPS

Abstract The surface chemical composition of a range of polymethacrylate films has been examined in the solid state using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA). A good correlation between experimental and theoretical values was observed for both surface elemental ratios and the differing carbon environments within the C-ls envelope. The data suggest that for this series of polymers, the surface composition reflects that of the bulk. The XPS results are discussed in the light of previous surface analysis studies and the technique appears to have potential for the future study of pharmaceutical film coatings.