The Effect of Agglomeration Methods on the Micromeritic Properties of a Maltodextrin Product, Maltrin 150™

Maltrin M150 is a fine powder of maltodextrin which is a carbohydrate product made by controlled hydrolysis of corn starch. Agglomerated Maltrin was prepared using a fluidized bed granulation process and a roller compaction method, respectively. The micromeritic properties of these two granular products were compared. Three different sizes of granules (20/30, 40/50 and 80/100 mesh size) were used in the evaluation. Granules produced by the fluidized bed method showed a relatively low bulk density as compared to the roller compacted granules. As the granule size was reduced, the roller compacted granules showed a decrease in bulk density while an increase in bulk density was seen in the fluidized bed granulated product. A better flowability of the roller compacted granules was demonstrated by a higher flow rate and a lower compressibility index. For a given compression pressure, roller compacted granules produced compacts with a lower tensile strength. A significant work-hardening effect was exhibited by the roller compacted product.