Bulk characterization of pharmaceutical powders by low-pressure compression II: effect of method settings and particle size

Pharm Dev Technol. 2006;11(2):235-41. doi: 10.1080/10837450600561448.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of punch and die diameter, sample size, compression speed, and particle size on two low-pressure compression-derived parameters; the compressed density and the Walker w parameter. The excellent repeatability of the low-pressure compression method allowed small effects of variations in punch and die diameter and sample size to be demonstrated on a high significance level. Changing the compression speed, however, did not cause a significant effect in the compressed density, whereas a decrease in w was seen. The effect of particle size was studied by compressing and tapping different grades of calcium carbonate, lactose, and microcrystalline cellulose. The low-pressure compression-derived parameters were compared to tapped densities and to Compressibility Indexes obtained by tapping volumetry. Even though the relationship between particle size and the low-pressure compression-derived parameters appeared to be more complicated, a similar trend was observed. It was concluded that the low-pressure compression method provides a useful alternative to the more sample-consuming methods providing flow-related information.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Drug Compounding / methods*
  • Excipients
  • Lasers
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Particle Size
  • Powders*
  • Pressure
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Excipients
  • Powders