Predicting tablet tensile strength with a model derived from the gravitation-based high-velocity compaction analysis data.

In the present study, a model was developed to estimate tablet tensile strength utilizing the gravitation-based high-velocity (G-HVC) method introduced earlier. Three different formulations consisting of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), theophylline and magnesium stearate were prepared. The formulations were granulated using fluid bed granulation and the granules were compacted with the G-HVC method and an eccentric tableting machine. Compaction energy values defined from G-HVC data predicted tensile strength of the tablets surprisingly well. It was also shown, that fluid bed granulation improved the compaction energy intake of the granules in comparison to respective physical mixtures. In addition, general mechanical properties and elastic recovery were also examined for all samples. In this study it was finally concluded, that the data obtained by the method was of practical relevance in pharmaceutical formulation development.