Micromeritics (Science of Particles)
Micromeritics (Science of Particles)
I. Introduction
➢ study of small particles( micron size label)
➢ study of various characteristics including Particle Size And Distribution, Shape,
Angle Of Repose, Porosity, Volume, Density And Bulkiness.
Advantage/application:
➢ Release and dissolution: small particle size ⇒ more surface area ⇒ more drug
solubility so faster dissolution
➢ Absorption of drug: high dissolution cause faster absorption of drug
➢ Physical stability: small particle size( 2 to 5 micrometre) ⇒ brownian movement ⇒
good suspendability ⇒ stable suspension and emulsion; ointment, cream,
ophthalmic preparation⇒ lake of grittiness
➢ Drug uniformity: small spherical particles ⇒ good flow property of granules ⇒
please has uniform weight of tablet/ capsule and drug content during filling/
compression. number/ weight of the particle and their distribution should be same
in each tablet⇒ produced same therapeutic effect.
V. Flow property
A. Angle of repose:
tan θ= h/r , θ=tan-1( h/r ) θ= angle of repose
25-30 good
30-40 passable/satisfactory
>40 poor
B. Considilation/carr’s index:
5-15 Excellent
12-16 Good
23-35 Poor
VI. Poders
➢ Powder is considered as a collection of particles. If the Powder contain particle
of one size, the Powder is termed mono size or monodisperse. Uniform size
particles are normally obtained by passing the Powder through the sieve of
the desired aperture.
➢ Size for diameter is a fundamental property of particle. Volume, density,
porosity etc are the properties derived from fundamental properties.
➢ Particle number: The number of particles present in a dosage form should
remain constant in order to maintain the dose uniformity.
1 Very coarse 8 20 60
2 Coarse 20 40 60
3 Moderate coarse 40 40 80
5 Very fine 80 - -