Granulation of mixtures of lactose and starch by a fluidized bed technique

Abstract

Lactose and starch of varying proportions with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a binder were converted into granules by a fluidized bed process and their physical characteristics were examined. The results showed that a higher proportion of lactose in the mixture, ratio 3/1, gave rise to larger granule size, better flow properties and packing characteristics than corresponding granules of ratio 1/1. A faster spray rate together with a higher PVP concentration promote wetting of particles and strong bonding between them, resulting in the formation of granules with desirable properties. Where starch particles predominate over lactose, ratio 1/3, there was difficulty in fluidizing the bed. The flow and packing properties of the granules formed were not enhanced. An analysis of the content of the granules led to the conclusion that no segregation of components occurred and that lactose and starch were well mixed in the fluidized bed.