Growth Behaviors and Mechanism of Caffeine whiskers on the Granules

Abstract
Needle-like crystals of caffeine [so-called whiskers] grew on the surfaces of granules containing caffeine and some ingredients during storage. Whisker growth was promoted by ingredients in the granules such as glycyrrhizic acid, pluronic F68 and hydroxypropyl-cellulose; growth was scarecely observed on the granules free from one of these ingredients. A great effect of humidity and temperature on the susceptibility to whisker growth was recognized. Caffeine whiskers were non-proper whiskers which grew at the fiber tip, not at the bottom, from caffeine molecules in the vapor phase surrounded by a crystal lattice, on the growth face of caffeine crystals.

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