DISCUSSION

DISCUSSION

From this experiment, there two materials that have been observed which are lactose
and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The method used was sieving method,where we able
to determine the particle size distribution. As a stack of sieves were prepared, the sieve that
has larger opening size are placed above the ones that having smaller opening sizes . This
means, the sieve that have diameter of aperture of 500 m will be placed at the above
followed by 425 m, 300 m, 150 m, and 45 m.

From the result obtained, the particle size of MCC falls in the range that less than 150
m. At the same time, particle size for lactose also fall in the range of less than 150 m.
There are many factors that lead to this result. As the lactose and MCC are two different
materials, so both of them have different physical properties. It seems that MCC has been
affected more than lactose due to the physical vibration that applied on the particles since the
hardness surface of particle is the one that contribute to the reduction of particle size. This
experiment also cannot be considered accurate as the weight of lactose and MCC are not
totally correct since there is still amount of powder left in the sieves after the process was
carried out. Besides that, some of powders are spilled out from the container since the
machine is not closed correctly. This also affects to the result obtained.

So, before conducting this experiment, make sure the sieves are clean by using brush,
because if many soil particles are stuck in the openings, this will affects the result of the
experiments. The machine also must be set up correctly so that there is no problem occur
during carrying out the process.