ABSTRACT
184Every stability study presents a wonderful example of the interaction between practical technology (we know it works, but we don’t know why) and theoretical science (this should work, but it doesn’t always). Both approaches combine to provide improved predictions of the effect of time on the uniformity of a mixture. In many cases the commercial success of formulated products depends on the “shelf life” of the mixed ingredients as much as on the performance of the mixture as it is used. Either way, interactions between ingredients control the stability and the delivery of the mixture. Successful stability testing must account for these interactions. This chapter reviews historical methods to predict “stability,” and presents a practical strategy to improve your chances of success for predicting the useful life of mixtures.
