Solid-state properties of pink clay from Jequitinhonha Valley in Brazil for pre-formulation study

Clay minerals are still widely used in pharmaceutical products for human health and cosmetic purposes. Pre-formulation studies were conducted to identify solid-state properties of pink clay, a sample from Diamantina, Brazil. Among the solid be analyzed, we have selected type identification, iron phases, crystallinity, powder flow characteristics, thermal behavior, non-isothermal phase transition kinetics. The clay is composed (1:1) kaolinite as main component. Mössbauer spectrum shows Fe3+(α-Fe2O3) hematite, Fe2+, Fe3+ with large Δ/2ξq about 2.80 2.69 mm.s-1 respectively, related silicates, most likely pyroxene, superparamagnetic Fe3+. Pink exhibits poor properties. behavior indicates phase-transition between 400 - 600 ºC associated dehydroxylation system requiring ~300 kJ mol-1, being constant until process reaches conversion ~50% when energy enhanced ~530 concluding whole (α=80%). Solid-state characteristics found must considered proper design formulations. This unique that can favorably exploited by industry.