Glidant

Glidant A glidant is a substance that is added to a powder to improve its flowability. Glidants are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that powders flow smoothly during the manufacturing process, particularly during the tableting process. The primary function of a glidant is to reduce interparticle friction, which can help prevent issues such as clogging and uneven distribution of the powder.

Types of Glidants

There are several types of glidants used in various industries, including:

• Colloidal silicon dioxide
• Talc
• Magnesium stearate
• Starch

Mechanism of Action

Glidants work by coating the particles of the powder, which reduces the friction between them. This coating can also help to prevent the particles from sticking together, which can further improve the flowability of the powder. The effectiveness of a glidant can depend on several factors, including the type of powder, the particle size, and the concentration of the glidant.

Applications

Glidants are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Food processing
• Cosmetics
• Chemical engineering

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, glidants are crucial for the production of tablets and capsules. They help ensure that the powder flows consistently into the tablet press or capsule filling machine, which can improve the uniformity and quality of the final product. Common glidants used in pharmaceuticals include colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.

Related Pages

• Excipient
• Lubricant (pharmacy)
• Disintegrant
• Binder (pharmacy)
• Tablet (pharmacy)

See Also

• Pharmaceutical formulation
• Powder technology
• Granulation