Lecture 4: powders and granules 1 Flashcards
What are the overall dimensions of powders?
Less than 1000 µm
What are the overall dimensions of granules?
More than 1000 µm
What are the different usage of granules and their respective sizes?
- Final dosage form (in capsules) - 1-4mm
- Granules as intermediates (make into powder and then into tablets) - <1mm
What is granulation?
The process by which dry powder particles are process to make them adhere to form larger multiparticulate entities called granules.
What are the types of granulation?
Wet & dry granulation
What are the properteies we consider when formulating with powders?
- Particle size distribution
- Particle shape
- Density
- Flowability
- Compaction properties
What is the particle size range for most APIs?
0-50μm
What is the range of particle sizes in the direct compression zone, which is needed to make a tablet?
80-160 μm
How do you get the bulk volume of a powder?
Pour the powder very gently, so that it naturally flows in, and you dont try to push the powder down, so it will be spaced apart
This is the bulk volume - no external consolidation
How do you get the tapped volume of a powder?
Pour gently and tap out the air bubbles so the powder is compact as much as possible (until no further reduction in volume)
This is the tapped volume
How do you calculate the bulk density of a powder?
Bulk density = weight / V0
V0 is the bulk volume
How do you calculate the tapped density of a powder?
Tapped density = weight / Vf
Vf is the tapped volume
Which is higher - tapped or bulk density for the same powder?
Tapped density because its volume is lower
What is the true density of a powder?
The density of a powder compact, which has 0% pore inside
This is theoretical because even if you compress the pwder into a tablet, you will have air pockets inside
What is the machine used to measure the true density of a powder?
Helium pycnometer
What is powder flow?
It represents the movement of solid particles due to force imbalance
(gravity is sometimes the most impt factor to consider for powder flow)
What are some ways that combat gravity to reduce powder flow?
- Adhesion thru molecular interactions
- Friction thru mechanical interlocking
- Electrostatic attractions
How does the force of gravity on powder particles change with sphere diameter?
As sphere diameter increases, so does the force of gravity.
How does the force of smooth adhesion on powder particles change with sphere diameter?
As sphere diameter increases, so does the force of smooth adhesion.