Effects of increasing compaction temperature on tablet strength

Abstract

Over time, a standard tablet press heats up during use. This investigation aims to explore heat effects at a small scale in the laboratory.  The effects of heat on compression have been studied using a Compaction Simulator fitted with a temperature controlled die. Placebo formulation blends composed of Avicel PH102, Lactose Fast Flo 316, Sodium Starch Glycolate and Magnesium Stearate was compressed using a hydraulic Compaction Simulator. To assess the manufacturability of the formulations a Korsch XL100 profile at 30 rpm was chosen using 10 mm flat faced tooling. A jacketed die was connected to a water-bath, heated to a set temperature. The temperatures assessed were: 20oC, 30oC, 40oC, 50oC and 60oC and any effects on the tabletability of the formulation was assessed. The tensile strength at 100 MPa compaction pressure for each temperature was determined using trend line equations. Increasing temperature changes the tensile strength of the formulation. The highest tensile strength was recorded at 50oC with no further increase for this formulation blend above this temperature.