Effect of Various Types of Sugar Binder on the Physical Properties of Gum Powders Prepared via Fluidized-Bed Agglomeration

Particle agglomeration of fine gum powders to improve their physical and morphological characteristics is of crucial importance. Changes in the physical properties of guar gum, locust bean gum, and carboxymethyl cellulose powders subjected to fluidized-bed agglomeration with various sugar types as the binder were examined. The agglomerates with sugar binders had much larger particles (D50) and higher porosity (ε) than the corresponding fine gum powders, as confirmed by particle-size-distribution analysis and scanning electron microscopy. In particular, the carboxymethyl cellulose agglomerate exhibited much higher D50 and ε values than the original fine gum powder, with sorbitol as the binder resulting in the highest D50 and ε values. Except for guar gum with sorbitol as the binder, the guar gum and locust bean gum agglomerates with the other sugar binders showed lower Carr index and Hausner ratio values (thus exhibiting better flowability and lower cohesiveness) than the original powders, whereas those of the carboxymethyl cellulose agglomerates were higher. These findings indicate that the physical and structural properties of gum powders can be greatly improved according to the type of gum and sugar solution used in the agglomeration process.