[Development and application of multidimensional comprehensive evaluation system for flowability of TCM powders based...

To address the problem that conventional evaluation methods struggle to comprehensively characterize the complex flow behavior of TCM powders, this study utilized an FT4 powder rheometer to perform a multidimensional characterization of 24 representative samples, including decoction pieces, extracts, excipients, and granules. In addition to traditional static parameters like angle of repose(α) and Carr index(IC), the study focused on dynamic rheological characteristics, specifically basic flow energy(BFE) and flow rate index(FRI),alongside shear and bulk property indicators such as cohesion(C_o) and flow function coefficient(FFc). Data analysis revealed that individual indicators frequently yield conflicting assessments for the same sample, underscoring the dimensional limitations of isolated metrics. By leveraging correlation analysis and principal component analysis(PCA), the study extracted core contributing factors to construct a weighted flowability comprehensive index(FCI). The results indicated that the FCI successfully integrated multi-source heterogeneous data, showing strong alignment with core flowability parameters and enabling precise classification of powder flow grades. This index offers a robust quantitative framework for enhancing stability assessment and quality control in TCM powder preparation processes.