Evaluation of mechanical strength of tablets from microcrystalline cellulose by means of energetic parameters

Overview

The paper aims to describe a new method for the evaluation of mechanical strength of tablets. The classic pharmacopoeial method of measurement of strength of tablets examines the strength at which the tablet breaks, the found strength being expressed in N. The proposed method of measurement of tablet strength is based on the strength-course record, determined during the process of crushing. This method determines not only the crushing force (DS) in N and the radial strength (RP) in MPa calculated from it, but also other parameters, such as the course of crushing d in mm, the rate constant of crushing process in kNmm⁻¹, the deformation energy DE in mJ, and the volume deformation energy ODE in MJ.m⁻³. The new parameters are illustrated on tablets from the microcrystalline cellulose Avicel PH 102.

Key words:
kinetics of tablet crushing – strength-course record – course of crushing d – rate constant of crushing k – deformation energy DE – volume deformation energy ODE