Evaluation of tableting properties of model fillers by direct compression

Abstract

Introduction: There is a wide range of filler excipiences with very poor tableting properties when prepared by direct compression technique.

Objective: Tableting properties of some model filler excipiences such as kaolin (Kao), magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) have been evaluated quantitatively using Kawakita equation and tabletability plot.

Methods: Kao, CaCO3, and MgCO3 were blended individually with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in 1:2 ratio (wt/wt), using 1 % w/w of talcum for lubrication. Accurately weighed 500 mg powder mixture was compressed into compact at different pressure in hydraulic press. Tableting parameters were estimated using Kawakita equation and tabletability plot of all the three formulations from the hardness and thickness data of each compact.

Results: Kao exhibited highest compressibility (a = 0,825) while, maximum inclination towards volume reduction (b = 2,492) has been shown by CaCO3 applying Kawakita pressure model. Tabletability quantified from the estimated area under the applied pressure vs tensile strength curve (AUTC) and found peak value in MgCO3 (1,437) compared to Kao (0,872) and CaCO3 (1,157).

Conclusion: Kaolin, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate could be utilized as the filler excipiences for tablet preparation by direct compression technique. The estimated tableting parameters will definitely through light in designing directly compressible tablet formulation.