Product Review

Magnesium stearate is one of the most popular flowing agents in the industry. It is popular due to how effective it is as a dry lubricant. It is inert and can make your formulation process much easier.

Lubricants are crucial in tabletting. This is why magnesium stearate is so commonly used. The purpose of a lubricant is to improve specific processing benefits. There are three important roles of a lubricant. 

• To lessen friction at the junction between a tablets surface and the die wall during ejection. This will reduce wear on the tablets.

• To prevent the solution from sticking to the parts of a machine that it is currently running through.

• To increase flow by reducing friction amongst the particles themselves.

An excellent lubricant will form a strong layer over the surface. Another positive factor is that it is adverse to a change in process variables. Process variables are a dynamic part of the process that can change in a given way. This will generally be flow, pressure and temperature. If any of these changes occur, it shouldn't affect the manufacturing process.

Magnesium stearate is:-

• "GRAS" (Generally Recognized As Safe) listed
• Designated as a food additive in Europe
• Manufactured from vegetables oils, most commonly palm oil and cottonseed oil.

This product should be handled properly.

Magnesium stearate cannot be mixed with air as dust explosion can occur. It should be kept away from flames at all costs. If it is dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling and pouring among other actions. If inhaled it can cause coughing and if ingested, vomiting may occur.  Use protective gloves, safety goggles and a mask while handling this product.