Relation between structural characteristics of talc and its properties as an antisticking agent in the production of tablets

Antisticking power varies according to the talc considered. Besides its chemical properties, it is necessary to assess its physical properties related to functionality. It is difficult to define the physical properties of talc implicated in its antisticking power. In this work, different talcs were characterised and their performance in reducing sticking in tablet manufacturing was evaluated. The following parameters were studied: apparent density, morphogranulometry, roughness, and the specific surface through the adsorption-desorption of argon. Next, the relationship between the characteristics of tales and their antisticking power was considered. Talc before and after delamination-which is a way to obtain talcs with different physical characteristics-was compared. Antisticking power appeared to be dependent on the basal dimensions of talc, and on the ratio value of the external specific surface measured by diffractometry to the total specific surface by the BET method. Models to express the effect of textural factors of talc particles on antisticking power were defined. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.