Effects of the Physicochemical Properties of Metronidazole–Corn Starch Mixtures on the Parameters of the Pellets in the Wet-Granulation Method

Abstract

Whether the surface free energy of a powder mixture (metronidazole–corn starch) depends on the proportions of the components and how the forces of cohesion and adhesion between the particles affect their interactions as functions of the proportions of the components were investigated. Pellets were produced from the powder mixtures. The interactions between the powder mixtures and the binding agent were first investigated on the basis of the spreading coefficients (S) calculated from the surface free energy. The mechanical properties of the pellets produced were predicted from the S values. Pellet parameters were evaluated as functions of the corn starch content. The overall aim was to investigate the role of the surface free energy of two-component powder compositions in pellet production. In contrast with predictions from the S values, pellets with a more porous and loose texture and with unfavourable mechanical properties can be produced as the S values are increased.