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Micrometics Summary

This document discusses particle size analysis and reduction techniques. It defines particle size and describes how size affects properties and performance. Common measurement methods include sieving, microscopy and sedimentation. Milling, attrition and impact are described as size reduction methods.

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Shaakira Hassim
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5 views

Micrometics Summary

This document discusses particle size analysis and reduction techniques. It defines particle size and describes how size affects properties and performance. Common measurement methods include sieving, microscopy and sedimentation. Milling, attrition and impact are described as size reduction methods.

Uploaded by

Shaakira Hassim
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MICROMETICS:

Definition Science and technology of small particles

Importance Clinically: Particle size affects drug release à pharmacological response


(griseofulvin +)
(nitrofurantoin -)

Physical stability (suspensions)

Manufacturing: Particle size affects


• flow properties
•Volumetric filling
• mixing

Why collect - Shape and surface area of individual particles.


particles of - Size range and number / weight of particles present → total surface area
more than one
size
How to - Size of sphere – diameter
determine - Asymmetrical particle - no unique diameter for the particle
particle size - Equivalent sphere diameter → hypothetical sphere → represents an approximation of
true size and shape of the particle

Different - Sieve diameter - The width of the minimum square aperture through which the particle
types of will pass.
diameters: - Ferrets diameter - The mean value of the distance between pairs of parallel None
tangents to the projected outline of the particle. This can be considered as the
boundary separating equal particle areas.
- Stokes diameter – The free-falling diameter (df, see above) of a particle in the laminar
flow region (Rep < 0.2)
- Martins diameter - The mean chord length of the projected outline of the particle
- Drag diameter - Diameter of a sphere having the same resistance to motion in a fluid as
the particle in a fluid of the same density (r ) and same viscosity (h), and moving at
the same velocity (u) approximates to ds when the particle Reynolds number, Rep, is
small and particle motion is streamlined. i.e. Rep < 0.2)
- Projected area diameter - Diameter of a circle having the same area (A) as the projected
area of the particle resting in a stable position.
Particle size Method chosen depends on:
analysis: • Instruments available
• Limitations of the method
• Properties of the powder

Optical microscopy
Sedimentation
Sieving

Optical • Particle size range:


microscopy – 0.2 µm – 100 µm.
• Emulsion / suspension mounted on a slide, field of sight projected onto a screen.
• Determine:
– Feret diameter,
– Martin diameter,
– Projected area diameter.
• Length and breadth obtained – no depth /thickness (disadvantage).

Sieving • Normally used for grading coarser particles.


• Determine the sieve diameter.
Powder shaken (period of time) à Material is then retained on next finer sieve à Collected
and weighed

• Problems:
– Sieve loading, duration, and intensity of agitation.
Sedimentation

Particle size Sphere


• Minimum surface area per volume.
• Characterize by diameter.

Asymmetric particle:
• Greater surface area per volume.
• Difficult to assign diameter.
• Develop equivalent spherical diameter.

Surface area Adsorption method:


determination • Particles with large specific surface areas = good adsorbents.
methods: • Adsorb either gas or solutes from solution.

Air permeability method:


• Resistance to flow of a fluid (air) through a plug of powder is related to the surface area of
powder.
• Affected by
– Compression
– Irregularity

Particle size Reasons for particle size reduction:


reduction – Mixing.
– Facilitates suspension production.
– Improve dissolution and absorption of drug.

Crack Particles exposed to stress à bond rupture à crack propagation


propagation

Toughness of • Initiation & propagation of crack dependent on the nature of materials:


material • Plastic:
– resist fracture at larger stresses and are tougher in nature
• Brittle:
– crack is easily propagated & cannot withstand high stresses
Changes in
particle size
distribution
curves as size
reduction
occur

Size reduction Cutting methods


methods – Two sets of knives → stationary set & rotating.
– Stationary knives attached to mill casing.
– Rotating knives attached to a central rotor.
– Cut particles as these two come into contact (minimum clearance between two).
– Collect particles at bottom of mill casing.

Compression methods
• Mortar and pestle – not used commonly.
• Compression mills:
– Two cylindrical rolls.
– One driven and other rotated by friction.

Impact method
• Hammers connected to central shaft.
• Hammers swing radially from rotating shaft.

Attrition methods
• Roller mills
• Mounted horizontally.
• Have an adjustable gap b/t.
• Rollers rotate at different speeds.
• Remove sample using a scraper.

Size Separation by sieving


separation
methods Separation by fluid classification:
1. Sedimentation method à
- Particles settle at different rates of velocities with different diameters according to
Stokes diameter.
- Separation dependent on the time of sedimentation.

2. Elutriation method à
Fluid always move in opposite direction to sedimentation.
• If velocity of fluid < settling velocity– particle moves downwards.
• If velocity of fluid > settling velocity– particle moves upwards with liquid.
• Separation dependent on the velocity of the fluid.

3. Cyclone method à
- Outer vortex – high fluid velocity & throws particles to the walls.
- At bottom liquid forms an inner vortex and escapes via the fluid outlet.

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