Effect of physical properties of microcrystalline cellulose on its compressibility and compactability / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study correlation between physical properties and compressibility and compactablility of Microcrystalline cellulose. METHODS: After determining the physical properties such as particle size distribution, moisture capacity, angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, the powder was tableted by the Korsch XP1 at the same filling height, and data derived from heckle model, plasticity constant, cumulative elastic recovery, tensile strength and it's changes with time were evaluated. RESULTS: The physical properties of microcrystalline cellulose had great effect on its compactablility as well as cumulative elastic recovery out of die, but not on compressibility. And pressure applied correlated closely with changes of tensile strength in storage, which was intensified by the influence of water in powder on the particle size. CONCLUSION: Microcrystalline cellulose shows excellent compressibility, however, particle size reduction is able to decrease the compactability. Since the water in powder can increase particle size by changing internal structure of particles and plays a prerequisite role in lubrication and adherence, the variation of water content may weaken the compatability of microcrystalline cellulose and worsen the mechanical strength stability of tablets in storage.