Articles
Solution-Driven Rheology For The Pharmaceutical Industry
March 23, 2009
•Featured Article: Solution-Driven Rheology For The Pharmaceutical Industry
By DR. JOHN DUFFY AND DR. STEVE CARRINGTON
Rheological studies deliver valuable information for development of various pharmaceutical products. However, even for experienced users, it can be challenging to measure samples appropriately and to gain real understanding from the results. This article examines how the latest rheometers make it easier to access and interpret relevant data.
Rheology, the physical science of material flow, is based on the study of how materials move or deform when subjected to an applied force. For pharmaceutical applications, rotational rheometry is the most widely used technique because it can characterize a broad range of materials — from stiff semisolids and pastes to weakly structured biological fluids. With a rotational rheometer, a sample is held between two surfaces of a measurement geometry. The surfaces move relative to one another and impose a demand force (shear stress) or deformation (shear rate or shear strain) on the sample. The instrument measures the response of the sample to the shear stress or strain resulting from this action, providing insight into the physical nature and structure of the materials.
Because various test methodologies could be used, less experienced users may find it difficult to select a method to characterize the material appropriately. They may also have difficulty extracting information from the measured data to understand and improve product performance. Modern software addresses these difficulties by embedding expertise into the rheometer system. An intelligent user interface, coupled with standard operating procedure-driven tests and analyses, provide a solution-based approach tailored to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
Click Here To Download:•Featured Article: Solution-Driven Rheology For The Pharmaceutical Industry
