Impact of surface anisotropic forces on powder flowability

Title : Impact of surface anisotropic forces on powder flowability

Abstract:

Powder flowability is essential upon handling and during the various unit operations used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Surface interactions such as cohesive- adhesive contribution depend on the surface composition and particle morphology. The materials used in this study are from different processing conditions having their specific physicochemical properties and surface composition. Various analytical tools were used for having a fundamental insight of the influence that the surface forces have on powder flow. It was found that there were differences in magnitude and extend of the measurable flow by dynamic and static methods. The results obtained on the agglomeration strength suggest that particle properties, material composition as well as microenvironment moisture and shelf life storage (ageing) are responsible for flow performance. These suggests that surface energetics responsible for agglomeration, start with particle adhesivecohesive interactions, with neck formation due to capillary bridges (moisture presence) and /or to “sintering” (consequence of temperature, glass viscosity, Tg). All contribute to the anisotropic forces that lead to microstructural evolution on the surface of particles that in turn affect powder flowability. The insights of this study at the nano-, micro- and macro-levels will show the relationship between surface anisotropic interactions and flowability of powders that ultimately will help to control and manipulate powder flow

Biography:

M. Teresa Carvajal is a Faculty Member at the Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University. She worked in the pharmaceutical industry, Roche, Bayer and Transave for a total of 14 years prior to joining Purdue. She graduated with a MS in Physical Pharmacy, from the University of Arizona, USA and with a PhD in Powder Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Bath, UK. Tere’s research group on material sciences focuses on microstructure, surface/interface interactions and energetics, and their impact on powder bulk properties during formulation, processing and manufacturing. She has authored or co- authored more than 70 peer reviewed articles.