In the course of film coat preparation it is very important to carry out preformulation investigations. The film formed by Metolose (R) SM-4 polymer containing Macrogol 2000 (polyethylene glycol) as plasticizer showed structure changes depending on the concentration of the plasticizer during storage. This could be explained by the fact that the small quantity of plasticizer can be built in among the methyl cellulose molecules more easily, while the greater amount of plasticizer forms a separate phase in the beginning and can be built in into the film structure only later. On the other hand, the water bound by the hygroscopic property of the plasticizer can further influence the properties of the film as water also serves to function as a plasticizer. The increase in the quantity of the plasticizer enhanced the tensile strength of the film: the resulting film was less breakable and easier to handle mechanically. The studied films proved to be suitable for forming a protective coat of different solid dosage forms (pellets, tablets). (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010