Publisher's Synopsis
This volume offers a multidisciplinary approach to the operations most commonly used in processing solids in the field of pharmacy and also in the fields of fine chemicals, cosmetics, foods, etc. The authors combine the triple standpoint of formulation, physical characterization of materials and process engineering and have selected the basic facts needed to understand the phenomena by which molecules become particles, particles become granules and granules become tablets, extrudates, microcapsules, etc. These operations are then described in very practical terms, including assessment of their effectiveness and limitations, and critical steps are highlighted. About 20 operations carried out on divided solids are described, ranging from crystallization to formulation, in a manner intended to be within the grasp of all involved: it is not a book solely for specialists, but offers a multidisciplinary background and a methodological help to progress.;The first six chapters are devoted to theoretical aspects of thermodynamics, kinetics, characterization and sampling of powder in order to clarify the conversions described in the chapters which follow. The remaining nine chapters describe the formation of particles, their drying, granulation, mixing compression and finally dissolution. Specific operations such as dehydration/impregnation, spherical crystallization and the series of operations involved in micro-encapsulation are also treated. The behaviour of particulate materials is of interest to formulation scientists as well as to physical chemists and process engineers. This book offers them a concise and effective account, including their various points of view and highlights the importance of the physical approach. The essential and innovatory interactions between materials and processes are described which are necessary in choosing the correct scale of observation, the appropriate parameters and the right measurements in order to prepare the right material for the expected function, by appropriate formulation and/or process methods.
