Effect of Four Anticaking Agents on the Bulk Characteristics of Ground Sugar

Abstract

ABSTRACT Fine silicon oxide, sodium aluminum silcate, tricalcium phosphate and calcium stearate powders were admixed with dry ground sugar at four concentration levels between 0.1 to 2%. Appreciable increase in loose bulk density and decrease in compressibility were noticeable at 0.1% concentration in all four agents. The effect reached an apparent peak or a flat maximum at an agent concentration of about 0.5–1%. With the exception of silicon oxide treated powders, increase in density was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in compressibility. Bulk parameters (i.e., density and compressibility) were more sensitive indices to changes occurring in powders as compared to parameters determined in compacted specimens (i.e., yield in shear, internal friction and relaxation pattern). Results are explained in terms of possible bed arrays and their scatter by differences in particle size and shape distributions. Support for these explanations is presented in scanning electron micrographs of sugar treated and untreated particles.