Research Article

 

A Comparative Evaluation of the Flow and Compaction Characteristics of a-Cellulose obtained from Waste Paper

 

FO Ohwoavworhua*, TA Adelakun and OO Kunle 

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), P. M. B. 21, Abuja, Nigeria.

 

Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2007; 6(1): 645-651

ISSN: 1596-599

 

Abstract

Purpose: Alpha-cellulose obtained as pulp from fibrous plant materials has found use in the pharmaceutical industry as a disintegrant and direct compression diluent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of α-cellulose obtained from waste paper as a direct compression excipient.

Method:  The flow and compaction characteristics of α-cellulose (ACP) obtained from waste paper, in comparison with Avicel PH 101, using the Kawakita and Heckel models were evaluated.

Result: The results indicate that the flow properties of these materials could not be predicted accurately using the Kawakita model. A comparison of compression behaviour and compactibility of the two powders showed Avicel PH 101 to be a slightly better binder. Conclusion: It was concluded that ACP material could find use as a potential dry binder and direct compression diluent in tableting as the binding properties were comparable to those of Avicel PH 101.

Keywords: Alpha-cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, flow and compaction characteristics, direct compression diluent.