Examining the Mechanisms of How Surface Modification Alters the Flow of Fine Powders

This research aimed to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of how the application of a pharmaceutical lubricant coating onto the small particles of fine powders changes how the powder flows. Coated powders flowed better because the coating significantly reduced the strength of the naturally strong attractive forces between the particles. However, the thickness and extent of the coating was also influential on the flow behaviours of the powders. Powders with a partial coating only showed better flow under specific conditions, while powders with thick coatings flowed more poorly than powders with a thin coating.