Riffat
Content of Micromeritics
Particle size and shapes
Distribution of particles
Methods of determination of particle
size
Importance of particle size in
pharmacy.
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PHYSICAL PHARMACY
It integrates the knowledge of physics,
chemistry and mathematics and applies
it to the development of pharmaceutical
dosage form.
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Objectives [Lecture 1- 3]
Define micromeritics
Analyze the importance of micromeritics
Discuss the Fundamental properties of
collection of particles
Discuss properties of Properties of
powder based on particle size
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Introduction
The science and technology of small
particles was given by the name
micromeritics by Dale Valle
It is the science and technology of small
particles .
The unit of small particles is usually mm or
micron
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Importance of micromeritics
Physical properties of powders are dependent
on particle size, shape, particle size distribution
e.g. porosity, compressibility, flowability
Rate of drug dissolution depends on particle
size
Chemical properties of powder also depends
on particle size e.g. oxidation
6
Contd.
Physical stability: Particle size influences
the stability of medicine e.g. emulsion and
suspension
Elegance of pharma products are particle
size dependent.
Uniform mixing requires uniform particle
size
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Fundamental properties of collection of
particles
Particle shape:
Particle size:
Particle size distribution:
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Particle shape:
Spherical
Regular
Irregular
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Particle size:
Given in micro or mm
Coarse particle
Colloidal particles
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Particle size determination methods
Microscopic technique: range 0.2 Цm – 100
Цm
Advantage: agglomerates and particle of
multiple component can be detected.
Disadvantages: length and breadth only
depth is not
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Contd.
Sieving method:
Disadvantages:
Formation of aggregates
Moisture entrapment
Attrition may damage the particle
Non uniform result
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Contd.
Sedimentation technique:
use of Andreason apparatus
Advantages: apparatus is inexpensive, and
simple
Precise result
Disadvantage: Unsuitable for too small particle
s
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Particle size distribution
Methods of size distribution determination:
A. By determining the number of particles
present in each size range [ usually by
microscopic technique]
B. By determining the weight of particles present
in each size range [ usually by sedimentation or
sieving technique]
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Derived properties of powders
Properties of powder based on particle size
A. Porosity:
The porosity or voids of powder is the ratio of
the void volume to the bulk volume of packing
E = Vb - Vp
Vb = bulk volume
Vp= true volume of powder
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Contd.
Packing arrangement:
Closest or rhombohedral
Loosest or cubical packing
Theoretical porosity:26% and 48%
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Contd.
B. Density: true density, granular density,
bulk density
C. Bulkiness: specific bulk volume, the
reciprocal of bulk density,
Bulkiness increases with decrease in
particle size.
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Contd.
D. Flow properties:
Powder may be free flowing or cohesive
Factors affecting flowability:
Particle size, shape, texture, porosity and density
Angle of repose: indirect way to find flowability
of powder.
o = tan -1 [h/r]
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THANK YOU
Lecture:
Physical pharmacy by S.P
Agarwal, pp: 9-33
Reference Books:
Remington
Physical pharmacy by Alfred
Martin
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