The effect of particle size and shape on the flow and failure properties of procaine penicillin powders

Abstract

Abstract A study has been made of the effects of particle size and particle shape on the shear and tensile properties of batches of dried procaine penicillin powders whose particle shapes were varied by crystallization from different solvents. The following correlations have been established between the mechanical parameters of the powders and their particle size and shape. log C/T = 1·706 − 0·213 log (V/S) — 1·36 αs.v.a.; (n − 1) = 1·329 + 0·0083 (V/S) − 0·128 αs.v.a.; tan Δ= 0·812 + 0·0057 (V/S) + 0·025 αs.v.a.; FF = 6·52 + 0·434 (V/S) − 0·528 αs.v.a. The findings are discussed in relation to the design of filling equipment for unit doses of penicillin.