An evaluation of tablet binding agents part II. Pressure binders

Tablet binding agents added during dry granulation or direct compression techniques are termed 'pressure binders'. Paracetamol is chosen as the substrate for the evaluation of five potential pressure binders. Relative tablet strengths of powder formulations containing binder levels of 80, 50 and 20 wt.% incorporated by dry mixing, are monitored. Binder pressure cohesion, as measured by energy/tablet strength profiles, is the major determinant of binder efficiency at a level of 80 wt.%. At 20 wt.%, the ability of the binder to adhere to the substrate under pressure, as quantitated by an adhesive index A, is the most significant influence on binder efficiency; whilst at a binder level of 50 wt.%, tablet strength is dependent upon both binder pressure cohesion and binder-substrate pressure adhesion.