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Research into the properties of input materials and the setup of equipment for polymer process technology is the first step in any development and innovation. Considering the requirements of reducing energy consumption, time and recyclability of materials, it is desirable to develop a tool for setting the mechanical and physical properties of binary mixtures of plastic granulates. Therefore, a dataset containing the particle size distribution, internal friction angle and spreading angle of eight different polymer granulates and their blends was created. If the internal angle of the material does not suit the technology, there is the possibility to change the technology itself or to modify the material passing through the technology at the input. It is also important to know the dependence of particle shape on internal friction. Based on the measured mixing values of the plastic granules, a dataset was created from which the computer program can draw input data to generate a new mixture setting for the desired friction value. Knowing the ingredient ratios to set the desired friction is the technology of the future. Once the input shape parameters of the individual components in the mixture have been given, the model can also be used in reverse, where in turn an idea of the internal friction angles of the input mixture components can be obtained. [Display omitted] • Novel method for predicting the angle of internal friction. • The mixing curves was generated from three key data points. • The change in internal angle from spherical to rod particles is shown. • Practical use demonstrated in a hopper experiment. • The mixed sample confirms the change in flowability and internal friction angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the impact of changes in the moisture content of bulk materials. The regularity of moisture change in bulk materials was evaluated for three different particle size classes of clay powders. The research measures the angle of internal friction and flowability under four different normal loads, reflecting the varying pressures during bulk material storage. The influence of moisture change in bulk materials was most pronounced for the smallest particle size fraction, where even a very small moisture change in the order of tenths of a percent steeply affected flowability due to internal friction. After increasing the moisture content by a few percent, a steady state of flow occurred. Critical value was determined when water in the bulk material caused liquefaction. For larger particle size fractions, the impact of moisture change was evident only at higher values (12.5%), with no liquefaction occurring even at 30% moisture. The change in normal load, on the other hand, affected particles of larger size fractions, resulting in improved flow properties. [Display omitted] • The fine clay fraction 0–0.5 mm is extremely sensitive to changes in moisture • The change in fine clay moisture content showed an AIFE variance of up to 20° • The liquefaction and effect on clay internal friction and flowability were determined • Internal friction of fine clay is explained using regression model • As clay powders moisture increases the effect of normal load on AIFE [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard gelatine capsules remain a relevant dosage form for today's pharmaceutical manufacturing. A wide range of colour and print options supports marketing, brand image and patient loyalty. However, the filling of these capsules with various modern dosage forms and combinations thereof may affect their further processing. Therefore, a detailed study was carried out to assess the effect of mechanical-physical properties on the behaviour of differently filled hard gelatine capsules. Capsules filled with powder, free or fixed particles presenting drug microforms and also hard gelatine capsules themselves were evaluated. Basic mechanical-physical characterisation was performed on all samples. Furthermore, their transport on the vibrating conveyor was assessed and simulated using DEM. The results showed a significant influence mainly by the degree of capsule imbalance, i.e., the arrangement of particles in the capsule. It was found that the hard gelatine capsules showed an average of 15.6° lower values for the effective angle of internal friction compared to the powdered vitamin mixture, and in parallel, an average of 14.7° lower values for the static angle of repose were also recorded. The results of the experiments on the vibrating conveyor at a frequency setting of 15 Hz showed three times longer transport time for the vitamin mixture compared to the capsules. Increasing the frequency evened out these differences. [Display omitted] • Different arrangements of multiparticulates in capsules are presented. • The capsule imbalance causes an increase in the angle of internal friction. • The capsule imbalance affects their transport. • Vibration increase unified the process behaviour of significantly different samples. • Vibrational transport of hard gelatin capsules is simulated by DEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]