Formulations of Natural Rubber Latex as Film Former for Pharmaceutical Coating

Natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis consists of poly-cis-1,4-isoprene polymer displaying excellent physical properties such as high elasticity, high tensile strength, and ease of film-forming. However, the film casted from NRL is soft and sticky. The aim of this research was to apply the NRL as polymeric material for tablet coating. NRL, triethyl citrate (TEC) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) were used as polymer, plasticizer and antiadherant, respectively. Mechanical properties of the casted films were characterized. It was found that TEC and TiO2 affected the properties of the films. The results showed good compatibility which confirmed by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. These results confirmed that NRL was possible to use as film former for pharmaceutical coating applications.