(62bh) Effect of Initial Particle Size On Particle Growth During Wet Granulation in a High Shear Mixer

The main objective of this research is to study the effect that initial particle size has on particle growth during wet granulation in a high shear mixer. Wet granulation in a high shear mixer is primarily a process for particle enlargement that is used in many industries such as pharmaceutical, mineral processing, agriculture, food, and detergent. Particle size enlargement is attained by the addition of a liquid to a powder or a mixture of powders that are to be mixed in a high shear mixer. Wet binders such as povidone are used to improve tablet strength and friability. The process consists of the granulation of different particle sizes of lactose anhydrous and lactose monohydrate with a solution of povidone 2.5% as a binder. To obtain the best results in the granulation process 345g of lactose anhydrous and 90g of lactose monohydrate were used. The povidone solution was added at a 12.5% of humidity. Granule growth in high shear wet granulation is a dynamic process in which granules are continuously forming and breaking down. This type of behavior is named Bimodal Particle Size Distribution and was evident in all the experiments. This granulation process is done in order to prevent segregation of the constituents of the powder mix, to improve the flow properties of the powder mix, to improve the compaction characteristics of the powder mix, and to reduce dust particles.