A Comprehensive Review of the Rheological Properties of Powders in Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

The perpetual significance of the pharmaceutical industry in society necessitates ongoing research efforts to enhance the efficacy of its manufacturing processes. Given that drug product manufacturing typically involves powder processing, a thorough understanding of powder characterization is needed for optimal process performance. Powder rheology is commonly examined in pharmaceutical manufacturing to elucidate the relationship between powder properties and the performance of pharmaceutical processes. This paper provides a brief discussion of recent literature regarding the various powder properties and characterization techniques encompassed in powder rheology. The powder properties are categorized into particle size, particle morphology, friability, electrostatics, permeability, wettability, cohesion, bulk density, and agglomeration sections. A distinct focus is placed on the segment about powder wettability. This review informs readers about the fundamental properties of powders known to influence pharmaceutical processes. It discusses the interrelationships among these properties, powder characterization techniques, and ideal states of powder properties that lead to optimal process performance.

Keywords

• powder rheology
• powder characterization
• pharmaceutical manufacturing
• flowability
• powder flow parameters