EFFECT OF DRYING METHODS ON THE POWDER AND COMPACTION PROPERTIES OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE DERIVED FROM BAMBUSA VULGARIS

Nkemakolam Nwachukwu* and Sabinus Ifeanyi Ofoefule

ABSTRACT

Processing methods, besides the pulp source, is one of the major factors that contribute to variations in the characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The effect of drying method on the powder and compaction properties of MCC obtained from the acid hydrolysis of α-cellulose derived from Bambusa vulgaris (BV) was investigated. A portion of the wet MCC was fluid bed dried at 60 ± 1˚C for 2 h (coded MCC-BVF). The second portion was lyophilized at –45 ± 1˚C for 2 h (coded MCC-BVL). The MCCs were evaluated using standard methods. Avicel® PH 102 (MCC-AVC) was used as standard. Physicochemical properties and X-ray diffractometry results of MCC-BVF and MCC-BVL were consistent with MCC. The flow indices showed flowability. Assessment of the compaction properties of the MCCs using Kawakita and Heckel models showed good densification and compactibility. Compacts formed showed good weight uniformity (300 mg ± 5%), disintegration time (< 15 min) and friability (< 1%). The hardness and tensile strength of MCC-BVL were higher (176.79 – 551.77 kg/m2) than MCC-BVF (28.04 – 232.44 kg/m2). Heckel analysis showed good plasticity and slippage. MCC-BVL compacts had significantly (p < 0.05) better mechanical properties than MCC-BVF compacts. Lyophilization produced stronger compacts than fluid bed drying.

Keywords: Bambusa vulgaris, microcystalline cellulose, drying methods.