The effect of polyethylene glycol on shellac stability

Abstract

The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) having amolecular weight of 1000 and 2000 on shellac stability has been investigated in this research. The shellac was shellac wax free, and the solvent was ethanol 96%. Shellac films were prepared by solventevaporationmethod. The stability of shellac was investigated using insoluble solid test, Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR), Thermogravimetry Analyzer (TGA), and Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR). The results showed that stability of shellac decreased after heating at 125oC for 10,30,90,and 180 minutes, and storing for 1 month at 27 oC and 85 relative humidity (RH). PEG improved the stability, and the most stable effect was achieved through PEG1000.