Nanoindentation of Molecular Crystals: Lessons Learned from Aspirin.

ABSTRACT: Nanoindentation enables the measurement of mechanical properties from single crystals with dimensions of a few micrometers. This experimental technique, however, has only recently been applied to molecular crystals. Key differences between the application of this technique to molecular crystals and metals and other inorganics are identified. From this, protocols for the measurement of hardness and elastic modulus of molecular crystals of pharmaceutical interest are proposed. Using form I aspirin as a model system, the impact of single crystal sample surface preparation (washing and cleaving) on the surface roughness is explored. We show the importance of using a calibration sample with hardness and stiffness close to that of molecular crystals for the acquisition of more accurate data. The

SUBMITTER: Gabriele BPA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7587144 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature