The present work is an attempt to improve the strength of spherically agglomerated talc pellets (TP) by incorporation of high percentage of HPMC. Wet Spherical Agglomeration (WSA) of talc was carried out implementing 32 factorial design, wherein, concentration of HPMC 50 cps (20, 25, 30% w/w) and PEG 6000 (2.5, 5, 7% w/w) were selected as independent variables. Studies have demonstrated that, all pellet batches (TP1-TP9) had acceptable shape and flow characteristics comparable to sugar spheres. However, with increase in amount of HPMC, crushing force and tensile strength of pellets was improved to 6.002 N and 1.634 ± 0.125 MPa respectively (batch TP4). This has been supported by value of regression coefficient for HPMC (β2= 27.433), however, PEG contributed to reduction in crushing force (β1= -4.6). It was interesting to note that, at highest amount of HPMC and least amount of PEG (TP7), crushing force required was less, reflecting role of bridging liquid (DCM) in the strength building. Although satisfactory improvements in the CF and handling properties of pellets have been noted at optimum amount of HPMC, further investigations are needed pertaining to effect of type, amount of bridging liquid and shear imparted by stirrer on strength of pellets.
