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 twenty 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 behavior 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.
A.S. Mujumdar
...a valuable addition to libraries serving research, teaching or industrial applications involving processing of powders.
Drying Technology Journal
Undoubtedly the most comprehensive survey and reference source on the application of powder technology...
ASLIB Book Guide
...I can recommend this book to all pharmacist-readers wanting to advance their knowledge of powder technology. I am very pleased to have this volume on my bookshelf!
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics
...provides a considerable amount of useful theoretical equipment and practical information and can be highly recommended to everyone, whose profession deals with particles and solids.
Die Pharmazeutische Industrie
