Caking

Caking refers to the undesirable formation of solid lumps in powders or granules due to factors like moisture absorption, temperature changes, or prolonged storage under pressure. This phenomenon reduces flowability and affects processing efficiency, posing challenges for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, where material consistency is essential.

On this page, explore the underlying mechanisms of caking, its impact on product quality, and effective strategies to mitigate it. From controlling environmental conditions to modifying material properties, learn how to prevent caking and maintain optimal material performance.

Featured Caking articles

Selecting the Right Powder Mixer for your blend
There is no one-size-fits-all powder mixer—the right choice depends entirely on your powder’s flowability, sensitivity, particle size, and process needs. Whether you need gentle handling for fragile particles or intense shear for cohesive blends, matching the mixer to your material ensures better blend quality, efficiency, and product consistency. Selecting the wrong mixer can [...]
Measuring Hygroscopicity in Food Powders: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Check out these related articles: https://powdertechnology.info/moisture-content-analysis-in-powder-samples/ Hygroscopicity — a powder’s tendency to absorb moisture — directly impacts shelf life, flowability, and product quality. Measuring it through sorption isotherms or DVS helps food manufacturers prevent caking, preserve texture, and design smarter packaging. Ignoring it risks product failure. [...]
Common Bulk Powders Used in Global Industry
Bulk Powders in Industry: An introduction Bulk powders are fundamental to many of the world’s largest industries. They serve as essential materials for sectors like construction, food production, chemicals, and manufacturing. Technological innovation, urbanization, and global trade have driven their increasing use. As societies expand, so does the need for these powders [...]
Advancements in Powder Mixing: Techniques and Characterization Methods
In various industries, from pharmaceuticals to food processing and additive manufacturing, achieving homogeneous and consistent powder mixtures remains essential. Proper mixing boosts product quality and enhances process efficiency. However, traditional powder mixing methods often encounter significant challenges. For example, poor blending, ingredient segregation, and inconsistent particle distribution frequently hinder performance. As a result, [...]
Powder processing and their diverse phenomena
The term "atom" originated in ancient Greece around 400 B.C., stemming from atomos, which means "indivisible" or "uncuttable." While the term persists, science now shows that atoms can split through fission reactions. Yet, atoms remain the foundational particles of matter, each uniquely defining an element on the periodic table. Atoms begin their journey [...]