granulations

Granulations is a term used across several fields to describe the process of forming granules or the granulated products that result from that process. A granule is a small, cohesive particle typically larger than the original powder and composed of bound or agglomerated material. The concept is applied in manufacturing, medicine, biology, and soil science, among others, with the specific meaning depending on the context.

In pharmaceutical and food processing, granulation is a method to improve powder flow, uniformity, and compressibility. The two main approaches are wet granulation, which uses a liquid binder to bind particles into granules, and dry granulation, which forms granules by compacting powders without a liquid binder. Typical steps in wet granulation include mixing, granulating, drying, and sieving. Additives such as binders, disintegrants, and lubricants are often employed to tailor granule properties.

In materials science and industry, granulation describes forming coarse particles through milling, agglomeration, or precipitation to create granules used in catalysts, fertilizers, ceramics, and other products. The size, density, porosity, and strength of granules influence processing performance, dissolution rates, packing density, and sintering behavior.

In medicine, granulation refers to granulation tissue, a temporary vascularized connective tissue that forms during wound healing. It consists of new capillaries, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix and appears as a red, granular surface that gradually matures into scar tissue.

In soil science, granulation denotes the formation of soil aggregates into granules, driven by microbial activity and organic matter. This granulation improves soil structure, drainage, aeration, and root penetration.

The plural term granulations can refer to multiple instances of granulation in processes or to the granulated products themselves, known as granules.