Synthesis and rheological characterization of graft copolymers of butyl and hydroxyethyl methacrylates on starches

To study the possibility of using some acrylic-grafted polysaccharides as matrix tablets, graft copolymers of butyl methacrylate and hydroxyethyl methacrylate on starch and on hydroxypropyl starch were synthesized. In this work, the effects of the different chemical compositions of the various synthesized graft copolymers on the hydrophilicity and rheological characteristics were examined. Water absorption values that ranged from 5 to 45% were obtained. Rheological testing determined with dispersions (5% w/w) in water showed that the graft copolymers formed weak gels of high viscosity. Moreover, the synthesized powders showed good flow and good compaction. These measurements pointed toward the possibility of their application for drug release.