Consolidation behavior of an experimental, cross-linked polyalkyl ammoniumpolymer

The effect of various factors (i.e., particle size, lubricant, moisture, an d excipients) on the tableting properties of DMP 504 powder, an experimenta l, cross-linked polyalkyl ammonium polymer, was studied using an instrument ed single-punch tablet press. The results indicate that plastic deformation is the primary consolidation mechanism for DMP 504. Lubrication of DMP 504 with magnesium stearate resulted in negative interaction in compactibility . The increase in tablet hardness with increase in water content of DMP 504 (up to 2.5%) could be attributed to the lubricating effect of water. Incre asing the water content above the optimum moisture range (i.e., 2.5% to 4.0 %) caused a drastic reduction in tablet crushing strength due to the hydrod ynamic resistance. A mixture of DMP 504 with microcrystalline cellulose or starch led to a positive interaction with respect to compactibility. A devi ation in tablet strength from the linear interpolated value did not corresp ond to a deviation in tablet thickness. The improved compactibility for the mixture of DMP 504 and microcrystalline cellulose or starch is not related directly to the facilitated densification.