This research aimed to study the compatibility and properties of deproteinized natural rubber latex (DNRL)/gelatinized starch blended films for use as transdermal patches. Various starches were previously gelatinized by heat treatment. Then, the DNRL/gelatinized starch blended films were prepared by simple mixing of DNRL with gelatinized starch and then drying at 50°C. The various parameters such as types (potato, sago, bean, corn, tapioca, rice and glutinous starches), amounts (5, 10, 15 and 20 part per hundred of rubber (phr)) and concentrations of gelatinized starch pastes (5, 10, 20 and 50%) were evaluated. It was found that all starch types could be blended as a homogeneous mixture with DNRL only in 5 phr. Bean starch also provided the good mixture in 10 and 15 phr. Rice and corn starches in the concentrations up to 20 phr could also be blended. Higher concentration of gelatinized starch pastes obtained the higher viscous liquids that were difficult to blend as a homogeneous mixture with DNRL, and provided inhomogeneous blended films. The dried films of all homogeneous DNRL/gelatinized starch mixtures were slightly yellowish transparent with good physical appearances. The tensile strength, swelling and erosion of these blended films increased when increasing amounts of gelatinized starch, but their elasticities were not different comparing to that of DNRL film itself. However, their strengths should be further improved by adding some plasticizers. Some drugs would be further loaded in these homogeneous film formulations for transdermal delivery.
THE Effect of Azido-Starch as Filler on Tensile and Tear Properties of Natural Rubber Latex Films
