Using the new attachment, pharmaceutical manufacturers can assess the mechanical properties of their products during handling and employment, ensuring that they are adequately robust
Stable Micro Systems has developed a new test for measuring the resilience of thin, film-like products.
The innovative Film Support Rig is used in conjunction with the company's TA.XTplus texture analyser to measure the burst strength and resilience of a variety of personal care and pharmaceutical products including plasters, bandages, polymer film, micropore tape, synthetic skin and latex, among others.
Many pharmaceutical products, particularly plasters and bandages, are designed to be extremely thin, increasing comfort and ease of storage or use.
While maintaining these characteristics, the products must also be strong enough to resist breakage when handled and applied by consumer or professional, and also during use.
With the Film Support Rig, manufacturers can identify weaknesses within their product lines and adjust structure accordingly.
Prior to performing the test, the sample is placed over a hole in a raised perspex platform.
A top plate prevents the sample from slipping during testing.
The test is then carried out as the arm of the TA.XTplus brings a 5mm stainless steel ball probe down into the aperture.
The maximum force to rupture the sample is recorded and is referred to as burst strength.
The resilience and relaxation properties of the product can also be measured.
Resilience can be assessed by depressing the film surface to a chosen distance before retracting the ball probe.
The property is calculated using a ratio of the work of compression and work of withdrawal.
Similarly, relaxation can be measured with the addition of a hold period within the test to allow the product's recovery to be evaluated.
Both these properties broaden the application of the Film Support Rig.
Burst strength, resilience and relaxation are important factors in determining the mechanical properties of a product, allowing manufacturers to optimize product structure and formulation.
The Film Support Rig is the newest addition to Stable Micro Systems's comprehensive range of testing instrumentation.
Stable Micro Systems is a designer and manufacturer of materials testing equipment.
These instruments are already used in laboratories worldwide for testing in pharmaceuticals, personal care, food, paints and coatings and other manufacturing industries.
