The purpose of this study is to review the state-of-practice of the how binders (excipients) affect the properties of powders and their agglomeration, or compression into tablets. Currently, there are many materials used commercially as binders: inorganic, organic, natural and synthetic polymers, as well as common substances such as molasses and water. Binder selection for the agglomeration of a powder that is often non-cohesive is more art than science. What is the underlying mechanism of an effective binder? Some macro-technical factors to be considered include: availability, toxicity, particle size, color, hydrophilicity; and, of course, how the binder, or binder mixture, affects product characteristics --- strength, hardness, density, disintegration, uniformity, and stability. The results of this study suggest a physiochemical protocol for the selection of binders for the processing of powders into agglomeration or tablets.