Semiquantitative Investigation of Tablet Coats by Electron Probe Microanalysis

Abstract

The combined, non-destructive techniques of scanning electron microscopy and electron probe X-ray microanalysis were used to investigate the composition of commercial tablets containing a) film and b) sugar coats, before and after a series of processes designed to challenge the integrity of the coat

Elemental analysis and estimations of coat thickness and integrity were rapidly made with a single tablet. Using the process of X-ray mapping, it was possible to identify chemically, discrete subcoats of the sugar coat which were indistinct on the electron micrograph. Analyses of these substrata may prove useful in assessing adherence to correct coating procedures