Development of Agglomerated Talc. III. Comparisons of the Physical Properties of the Agglomerated Talc Prepared by Three Different Processing Methods

Abstract

Agglomerated talc was prepared by the wet granulation method using a fluidized-bed granulator, a planetary mixer, and a high-speed, high-shear mixer. It was found that agglomerated talc produced by a fluidized-bed granulator is more porous, has a more irregular shape, has a lower bulk density, and has more binder-talc contacts. This higher surface area of binder-talc interface and the highly porous and irregular shape of the agglomerated talc produced by the fluidized- bed granulator result in stronger intergranular bonding. The resultant compact was harder. The compression force-time curve also showed that the time required to increase the upper punch force from 10% to 90% was greater for the compaction of the fluidized-bed granulated talc. The longer exposure to shear forces would enhance plastic flow and facilitate the formation of stronger bonds. Phenylpropanolamine HCl tablets containing 77.5 % agglomerated talc as the diluent were prepared. The properties of the tablet were found to be satisfactory. The agglomerated talc developed may be a promising direct compression diluent.