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Roller compaction of moist pharmaceutical powders
C-Y Wu1, W-L Hung, A M Miguélez-Morán
1School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. C.Y.Wu@bham.ac.uk
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|February 24, 2010
Summary
Increasing moisture content in microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) powder reduces flowability and cohesion, leading to weaker ribbons during roller compaction. High moisture MCC ribbons exhibit density variations and can split due to reduced mechanical strength.
Area of Science:
- Powder Technology
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Powder properties like moisture content significantly influence roller compaction behavior.
- The specific impact of moisture on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) compression during roller compaction requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the effect of varying moisture contents on the roller compaction behavior of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).
- To analyze how moisture affects powder flowability, compression dynamics, and the resultant ribbon properties.
Main Methods:
- Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) samples with controlled moisture content were prepared.
- Powder flowability was assessed using poured angle of repose and flow functions.
- Instrumented roller compaction was employed to produce and analyze powder ribbons.
Main Results:
- Increased moisture content decreased MCC powder flowability and increased cohesion.
- Ribbons exhibited non-uniform density distribution (denser center, lower edges) due to powder flow dynamics.
- High moisture content ribbons showed varied hydration states and a tendency to split, indicating reduced mechanical strength.
Conclusions:
- Moisture content is a critical factor affecting MCC powder flow and compaction performance.
- The observed ribbon splitting in high moisture MCC compacts highlights the detrimental effect of excessive moisture on mechanical integrity under pressure.
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