DSC 'Fingerprint', Magnesium Stearate

Sample

Magnesium stearate

Application

Inactive ingredient (lubricant for production of tablets)

Conditions

Measuring cell: DSC820

Pan: Aluminum 40 µl, hermetically sealed

Sample preparation: As received, no preparation

DSC measurement: Heating from 30 °C to 200 °C at 10 K/min

Atmosphere: Nitrogen, 50 cm³/min

Interpretation

Magnesium stearate exhibits several polymorphic forms. In addition, depending on the origin, there are different mixtures with free fatty acids. Assignment to single modification is therefore often not so easy. The samples can also form modifications containing water of crystallization.

Conclusion

DSC allows the determination of different polymorphic modifications. The curves are used as fingerprints for the different qualities of magnesium stearate.

DSC 'Fingerprint', Magnesium Stearate | Thermal Analysis Application No. HB806 | Application published in METTLER TOLEDO TA Application Handbook Pharmaceuticals