Effect of Binder Characteristics on the Strength of Agglomerates Prepared by the Wet Method II

Abstract

The effect of the physicochemical properties of binders on the strength of granules prepared by the wet method was investigated using hydrophobic and hydrophilic powders with various polymer binders. A crushing test of granules and the amount of fine granules generated during a sieving test were carried out in order to estimate the strength of the granules. In all the powder/binder systems, the surface polarities of both powders and binders, as well as the degree of polymerization of a binder, are important factors in determining the strength of granules. That is, binders and powders whose polarities are similar are capable of producing strong granules. In some systems, the strength of granules increased with the degree of polymerization of the polymer binders.