Qualitative analysis of environmentally responsive Biodegradable smart carbopol polymer

Abstract

The present study was undertaken for the analytical characterization of Carbopol polymer (Carbopol 940 and Carbopol 934). Purity and the crystalline or amorphous nature of two grades of polymer were evaluated. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was performed by FTIR Spectrophotometer interfaced with infrared (IR) microscope operated in reflectance mode. The spectra were collected over the wave number from 400 to 4000 cm-1 at room temperature. Raman spectroscopic analysis for the two grades of polymer was performed by a low resolution potable Raman Spectrometer (Raman system R-3000), using 785 nm solid state diode laser, with fibre optic sampling probe. The Raman spectra were collected over the wave number from 140 to 2500 cm-1 at room temperature. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) data for Carbopol polymer were obtained using a powder diffractometer. The two grades of polymer were scanned from a Bragg angle 2θ between 100 and 700. The obtained data were tabulated in terms of the lattice spacing (Å) and relative line intensities (I/I0). From the spectral interpretation, it has been found that at the FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analysis help in determining the back bone structure of Carbopol 940 and Carbopol 934 i.e., the acrylates and acid groups without having any impurities. Moreover, XRD study suggests their amorphous nature. Both the grades of polymer are having similar FTIR and Raman spectra along with more or less similar XRD patterns. From the above results, it can be concluded that the FTIR, Raman Spectroscopic analysis, and XRD study help in the analytical characterization of the Carbopol polymer. This information is very important for the preformulation study to prepare any novel drug delivery system having bioadhesive property.