A COHERENT MATRIX MODEL FOR THE CONSOLIDATION AND COMPACTION OF AN EXCIPIENT WITH MAGNESIUM STEARATE

This paper reports that magnesium stearate sensitivity of brittle materials is not directly related to the degree of fragmentation during compression. A coherent matrix of magnesium stearate, created by the process of dry blending, is highly sustained during consolidation and compaction of the particulate system. Failure of the tablets happens therefore principally along the interfaces of the original excipient crystals. Fragmentation of the excipient particles occurs mainly within the areas surrounded by the magnesium stearate network and contributes therefore little to the crushing strength of the tablets.