Physical and mechanical effects of starch-gelatin binary binder mixtures on sodium salicylate tablets

Starchgelatin binary binder mixtures were applied in the formulation of sodium salicylate tablets. Locally developed cassava starch (tapioca starch) was used as a co-binder with gelatin. Wet granulation method was used to formulate different batches of sodium salicylate tablets with varying binder concentrations (1-5%w/w) and starch – gelatin binder ratios (25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 0:100). The sodium salicylate granules were evaluated for flow properties, friability, moisture uptake while the tablets were assessed for crushing strength, friability and crushing strength-friability ratio (CSFR). Formulations prepared with gelatin, had lower granule friability than those produced with cassava starch – gelatin binder mix. Flow properties did not follow any definite pattern ,whereas moisture uptake studies showed that gelatin batches absorbed more moisture than cassava starch-gelatin batches. As the gelatin content decreased, the tablet crushing strength and CSFR decreased while the friability increased. The mechanical strength and moisture uptake of the gelatin based granules or tablets reduced with the incorporation of cassava starch