Comparison of different dry binders for roll compaction/dry granulation

The suitability of different dry binders for roll compaction/ dry granulation was evaluated. Two copovidones and two crospovidones of different particle size beside three celluloses well suited for roll compaction/ dry granulation were included in the study. To classify the binders, they were compared in a binary mixture of binder and dicalciumphosphate and another formulation including a drug. Tensile strength and dissolution properties of tablets compressed from powders or granules were the focus of this study. Tablets containing the small copovidone and the small crospovidone showed the best binder properties in terms of large granule size, low fine particle fraction, and high tensile strength values. Dissolution behavior revealed a significant difference between these two binders. The dissolution of tablets containing small copovidone was significantly slower than the tablets compressed with the small crospovidone. The two copovidones showed comparable dissolution behavior, although tensile strength was higher for the type with small particles. In general, the small crospovidone was most appropriate for uncoated tablets, because it combines superior dry binding properties with fast disintegration and dissolution.