LAUSR

Abstract In the pharmaceutical sciences, there are many applications for Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH). In industry, these materials undergo drying processes which can promote changes on their physicochemical properties. Using MgAl-LDH as a model, the objective of this work was to investigate the influence of two technological drying procedures (spray-drying and lyophilization) on LDH properties, applying the following techniques: FTIR, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, particle size, SEM, specific surface area and pore size The results showed that LDH obtained by spray-drying generated small particles with a narrow particle size distribution and a more stable spherical morphology, whereas LDH obtained by lyophilization showed lower water content, irregular particles, slightly larger surface area and bigger pore size. These different aspects should finally be taken into consideration in the development of pharmaceutical formulations with desirable characteristics.