DEFINITION: Mixing is defined as a process of combining materials
or particles or liquids or solutions in order to obtain a homogenous product. Mixing is also referred as blending.
APPLICATIONS:
1) Both dry and wet mixing is an essential process for preparing
both dry and wet granules respectively, for the production of tablets. 2) Capsules are filled with a combination of two or more salts for mixing is an essential step. 3) Mixing plays an important role in the manufacture of tablets and capsules containing potent drugs . 4) Most of the dosage forms available today contain a combination of two or more drugs and hence mixing becomes compulsory.
Mechanisms of mixing: :
Mixing of solids can be achieved by any one of the following
three mechanisms . Mixing by diffusion . Diffusion blending is characterized by the random motion of solid particles. Diffusion blending occurs where the particles are distributed over a freshly developed interface. Tumbler blenders like the double cone blenders and v-blenders function by diffusion mixing.
Mixing by convection:
Convection blending is characterized by the random motion of
solid particles . In convection blending groups of particles are rapidly moved from one position to another due to the action of a rotating agitator . The blending of solids in ribbon blenders, and paddle mixers is mainly a result of convection mixing. MIXING BY SHEAR: Here mixing is achieved due to the removal of force of attraction between the particles. Shear blending as the development of slip planes or shearing strains within a bed of material. Blenders with high speed chopper blades and intensifiers are examples of shear blending.
MIXING TECHNIQUES:
1) Trituration : This is used both to reduce the particle size and
mix powder. A glass mortar-pastel may be preferred for chemicals. 2) Spatulation: Mixing of powder is done by movement of a spatula throughout the powders on the sheet of paper. 3) Sifting: The powder is mixed by passing through sifters. This processes result in a light fluffy product.
Geometric dilution:
Geometric dilution This method is used when potent
substance are too mixed with a large amount of diluents. For example: 100 mg potent drug mixed in 900mg of lactose. According to geometric dilution- 100mg of potent drug + 100mg of lactose = 200mg mixture 200mg of potent drug + 200mg of lactose = 400mg mixture 400mg of potent drug + 400mg of lactose = 800mg mixture 800mg of potent drug + remaining of lactose=1000 mg mixture. Tumbling: In this the powder is mixed in a large container rotated by an electric motor.