PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF 2 TYPES OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE AND FEASIBILITY OF MICROSPHERES BY EXTRUSION SPHERONIZATION

The influence of the physical properties of two types of commercial mi crocrystalline cellulose (Avicel(R) PH 101 and Microcel(R) MC 101) on the feasibility of minigranules production using an extrusion/spheroni zation process has been studied. Both raw materials were compared usin g IR spectrometry (molecular lever), X-Ray Diffraction, DSC, TGA, morp hology, texture and particle size distribution (particle level), and s pecific surface-area and density (bulk level). The differences observe d during the step of mass moistening and on the spheroids obtained (pa rticle size distribution, hardness) demonstrate that the variations in the physical characteristics of the excipients have an impact on the technology of manufacture of spherical granules, as well as on their s pecifications.