Correlating 3D porous structure in polymer films with mass transport properties using FIB-SEM tomography

Porous polymer coatings are used to control drug release from pharmaceutical products. The coating covers a core and depending on the porous structure, different rates obtained. This work presents mass transport simulations performed ethyl cellulose films with porosities. were high spatial resolution 3D data obtained using focused ion beam scanning electron microscope. effective diffusion coefficient of water was determined chamber. Lattice Boltzmann simulate in data. simulated good agreement measured coefficient. From results it concluded that tortuosity constrictivity network increase decreasing amount added hydroxypropyl cellulose, resulting sharp decrease diffusion. shows is necessary, 2D insufficient, order predict through structure accuracy.