Material propertiesInfluence of process parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of starch-cellulose acetate/silver sulfadiazine matrices prepared by melt extrusion

Starch-cellulose acetate matrices containing silver sulfadiazine were produced using melt extrusion for application in drug delivery devices (DDDs). The influence of the extrusion parameters (screw speed and temperature) on the morphological and mechanical properties of the matrices was evaluated at three different levels. The microstructural characterization of all matrices showed that an increase in the screw speed enhances the porosity and drug dispersion, while an increase in the extrusion temperature decreases the pore diameter of the matrices. Mechanical results did not show significant differences between the elastic modulus values for the matrices; however, a faster screw speed led to higher ultimate strength and strain at failure values. Results obtained in the dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the glass transition and loss tangent (tan δ) peak values became higher with increasing screw speed and temperature.