What is a critical requirement for spheronization in tablet manufacturing?

In the context of spheronization, having extrudates with sufficient plasticity is essential because this property allows the material to deform and hold its shape during the formation of spheres. Spheronization involves rounding extrudates into spherical pellets, which necessitates that the granules exhibit enough malleability. When the material is sufficiently plastic, it can flow and reshape effectively under the forces applied during the spheronization process, ensuring a uniform and consistent pellet size.

The process relies on mechanical forces to shape and break down the extrudate into smaller, rounded particles. If the plasticity is inadequate, the material may crumble or not form into the desired spherical shapes, leading to inconsistencies and potential issues in the final product's performance and efficacy. Therefore, ensuring sufficient plasticity in the extrudates is crucial for achieving optimal spheronization outcomes, leading to better flow properties and uniformity in tablet manufacturing.