KOMAR UNIVERSITY

OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Monica Diyya,
Department of Pharmacy,
College of Medicine.
 Course Name: Physical Pharmacy-I
UNIT I: Micromeritics-I

Lesson No: 01A-Introduction-Derived properties of powder

By: Ms.Monica Diyya

Lecturer
Department of Pharmacy
KUST

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Micromeritics I

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 Lesson 01A

Contents

➢Introduction
➢Importance in Pharmaceutical Industry
➢Classification of powder properties

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Do all powders have same
properties?!
 Introduction

Micromeritics is the study of fundamental and derived

properties of individual as well as a collection of particles
(granules).
Importance in Pharmacy
1. The flow properties of powders are dependent upon the
particle size, size distribution as well as the particle shape.
Asymmetric particles have poor flow characteristics and
hence those particles are converted to granules (particles
with uniform size).
2. The size of the drug particle affects its dissolution rate
(smaller the size, greater is the dissolution and thus greater
is the absorption rate).
3. Particle size influences the spreadability and
performance of some preparations like dusting powders.
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 Importance in pharmacy field

4. Particle size and size distribution has a profound influence on the uniform mixing of solids.

5. The stability of dosage forms such as suspensions, emulsions depend on the particle size. As the
particle size increases, the stability of the dosage form decreases.

6. Processes such as extraction and drying are accelerated following a reduction in the particle
size of the material.

7. The adsorption capacity of the material also increases by a decrease in its particle size.

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Powder flow in the Manufacturing Unit

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 Influence Of Particle Size

As Particle size Dissolution Rate

Absorption Rate
Performance
Spreadability
Uniformity
Stability
Adsorption Capacity
Extraction Rate (Faster)
Drying Rate (Faster)

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 Particle size and size
distribution
Particle shape
Fundamental Particle volume
Particle number
Particle surface area
Properties of
Particles
1. Porosity
2. Density (true density, bulk
Derived density, granule density)
3. Flow properties (angle of
repose)

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Which of the following are porous solids?

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 Electron microscopic images

Porous Solid Non porous solid

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 Derived properties of powders

Particle size distribution and surface area are two fundamental properties of
powders. From these properties of powders a number of derived properties can be
obtained.

1. Porosity of powders
2. Density of powders (true density, bulk density, tapped density)
3. Flow properties of powders (angle of repose, compressibility index, hausner
ratio )

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Derived properties of powder
Porosity
Density (bulk density)
Flow property (angle of repose)
Applications
Provides information about hardness,
disintegration, tablet porosity etc., thereby
the dissolution and release of drugs can be
anticipated.
To check uniformity and compressibility,
to select size of storage container, proper
size of packing material and to select the
size of empty gelatin capsules for filling of
the medicament.
Checks improper flow of
particles/granules during manufacturing
process( tabletting/filling) and there by
maintaining uniform weight.
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1. Porosity
Non-porous solids: metal, glass, solid wood, plastic.
Porous solids: Activated carbon, most of pharmaceutical solids.
• For non-porous material, the bulk volume = true volume.
• For porous materials, the bulk volume > true volume, as they have internal
pores or capillary space.
The volume of the spaces is known as void volume (v). It is given by
v=Vb-Vp
Where, Vb =bulk volume
Vp=true volume of the particles.

The porosity or voids, 𝜀 is defined as the ratio of void volume to the bulk volume of
the powder packing.
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The porosity or voids is defined as the ratio of the void volume to bulk
volume and is denoted by 𝜀
𝜀 = (Vb −𝑉p )/ Vb
= 1- Vp / Vb

Percentange porosity:
% Porosity = 𝜀 × 100
= [(Vb −𝑉p )/ Vb] x 100

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 Practical A sample of calcium oxide powder with a true density
problem: 1 of 3.203 and weighing 131.3 gm was found to have a
bulk volume of 82cm3 when placed in a 100 ml
graduated cylinder.Calculate the porosity.

The volume of the particle, volume= mass/density

=(131.3g /3.203gcm-3 )
=41cm3
𝜀 = (Vb −𝑉p )/ Vb
=(82-41)/ 82
𝜀=0.5
% porosity = 0.5× 100=50%
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 Practical problem: 2

Calculate the percent porosity of Titanium dioxide having a true density of

4.26g/cm3 and 100g sample of which was found to occupy a bulk volume of 80mL.

Solution: VB up

iÉ;÷ q 0.7 g. 07×100

, =
=

23.*
43 - 70 %

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