The powder flow and compact mechanical properties of two recently developed matrix-forming polymers

The powder flow and compact mechanical properties of two recently developed matrix-forming polymers were determined. The polymers are cross-linked high-amylose starch (Contramid) and poly(acrylic acid) (Carbopol EX507), and their properties were compared with those of two established matrix-forming polymers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Methocel K100LV) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel EXF). The particle morphology, size distribution and true density of the four materials were quite different and they exhibited measurable performance differences with respect to powder flow, compact ductility, compact elasticity and compact tensile strength. Recommendations for formulating solid dosage forms with each of these excipients were made, based on a consideration of their physical properties and their anticipated processing performance.