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Mixing :

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.

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