Effect of additives on hygroscopicity of lecithin preparation.

The effects of various additives to protect Soya lecithin granules from moisture were investigated. Additives used were Adsolider-101®, Aerosil R-972® Neusilin UFL-2® and carnauba wax (mean diameter: 3μm). Weight increase, angle of repose, aggregation rate and disintegration time of the lecithin granules were measured to evaluate the effect of additives on moisture protection and fluidity.The hygroscopicity of the lecithin granules decreased with an increase in the amount of additives. Aerosil R-972® was not adhered uniformly to the lecithin granules. The addition of 2-3% of Adsolider-101® and Neusilin UFL-2® prevented the hygroscopicity and enhanced the fluidity of lecithin granules, though the appearance changed to white. It was considered. that carnauba wax in the proportion of 5% was very useful for the prevention of hygroscopicity and the enhancement of fluidity of the lecithin granules.