Effect of excipient properties and blend ratio on the compression properties of dry granulated particles prepared from microcrystalline cellulose and lactose

In this study, the effect of a systematically varied excipient ratio plastic and brittle material, i.e., microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) crystalline α-lactose monohydrate (LAC), on compression properties dry granulated particles was investigated. Five powders with different MCC:LAC ratios were prepared by mixing; subsequently, they formed into slugs that milled sieved, giving granules two size fractions. Two slugging pressures used, porosity for each powder. Original compressed, strain-pressure profiles determined. From these profiles, series parameters derived using Heckel, Kawakita, Adams equations. The initial part all similar up to jamming point, after which diverged depending granule composition pressure. Parameters from Kawakita equations reflected differences in behavior, while Heckel parameter did not. macroscopic stiffening assessed friction seemed be controlled inner granules, their deformation due inter-particulate flow. total compressibility, parameter, dependent bulk granulations. It is concluded composition, microstructure, packing density dictated properties, work hardening primary insignificant.