Factorial design in the feasibility of producing Microcel MC 101 pellets by extrusion/spheronization

This study evaluates the effects of certain process variables in the feasibility of producing Microcel MC 101 pellets by the extrusion/spheronization technique. A 23 factorial design was realised to demonstrate the influence of the significant factors and their interactions in the experimental response. The selected process variables such as water content, extruder screen size and spheronizer speed were studied, as well as their influences on the properties of particle size distribution and the densities were determined. The results showed that high levels of the three factors increased sphere size, and low levels decreased it. A strong interaction between water content and extruder screen size is observed for the particle size distribution response. Extruder screen size has a significant effect on the bulk density. Water content and spheronizer speed interaction influence the sphere density.