Growth mechanisms in melt agglomeration with a low viscosity binder

Lactose monohydrate was melt agglomerated in an 8-1 high shear mixer using stearic acid as meltable binder. The impeller speed was varied at six level s, and the temperature of the heating jacket was varied at three levels. Th e agglomerate growth mechanisms were found to be different from those obser ved in previous melt agglomeration experiments. This is attributed to the l ow viscosity of the molten stearic acid. A higher impeller speed and a high er jacket temperature resulted in an agglomerate growth that was markedly a ffected by comminution and accordingly gave rise to agglomerates of a wider size distribution and a higher porosity. A lower impeller speed and a lowe r jacket temperature resulted in smoother and more spherical agglomerates. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.