Studies on tableting properties of lactose. Part III. The consolidation behaviour of sieve fractions of crystalline alpha-lactose monohydrate.

The consolidation and compaction behaviour of sieve fractions of crystalline alpha-lactose monohydrate were studied. From mercury porosimetry measurements tablet pore surface areas were derived. At a certain compaction load it appeared that tablets compressed from small particles were generally stronger and showed a larger surface area than compacts prepared from coarse sieve fractions. By plotting compact strength against pore surface area, a unique linear relationship was obtained. From these results it can be concluded that the actual tablet surface area, being a function of both the initial particle size and applied compaction pressure, is responsible for the compact strength.