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34 May 2020 Tablets & Capsules The overall surface examination and the flow studies of SMCC provides important morphological informa- tion about the improvement in the functional characteristics and parti- cle surface modifications. Conclusion The study shows that SMCC's properties extend beyond the tradi- tional MCC excipient capabilities, with improved binding and advanced physical and morphological proper- ties. In addition, this demonstrates suitable for DC tableting and con- tinuous manufacturing processes than traditional MCC. In addition, the surface morpho- logical studies of the SMCC (Figure 6) show uniform distribution of col- loidal silicon dioxide particles over the surface of the MCC particles, which is essential for the excipi- ent's improved functional character- istics. To some extent, deposition was also observed in the inter-spa- tial structure of the MCC particles. mity, attributes that can be difficult to achieve in DC processes. Tablet compaction tests The tablet compaction cycle has three different stages that determine the tablets' mechanical and physi- cochemical characteristics: pre-com- pression, main compression, and ejection. Using the compaction sim- ulator (ESH, UK) the researchers focused on measuring all the param- eters of the compaction cycle. They then evaluated the material character- istics by correlating and computing parameters, along with finished tablet properties such as weight variation, hardness, thickness, and diameter. For the compaction trials, the researchers fitted the compaction simulator with 13-millimeter-diame- ter, flat-face punches and compacted about 500 milligrams of powder into tablets. The contact time, a general indicator of compaction speed, was 0.028 seconds. To vary the maxi- mum compression pressures, the researchers kept the upper punch dis- placement profiles as sine waves with different amplitudes. They followed pre-lubrication with magnesium stea- rate, to avoid frictional damage of the punch and die set. Researchers then packed the pre- pared tablets into HDPE bottles, with a separate bottle for each dif- ferent compression force, and stored the bottles in a desiccator with con- trolled humidity for complete phys- ical relaxation. After 24 hours of storage, they analyzed the tablets for weight variation, hardness, thickness, and diameter and then calculated the compaction slope value and tablet tensile strength based on the hard- ness and compaction force data. During the compaction process, the tablet tensile strength increases proportionally with the compaction pressure. The specific increase of the tensile strength (as indicated by the slope of the curve in Figure 5) is higher for the SMCC grades than for the MCC. As Figures 1 through 5 show, the co-processed SMCC excipient exhibits excellent flow and com- paction properties, making it more Figure 5 Placebo tablet tensile strength at different compression pressures (higher slope indicates better compactibility) Tensile strength (megapascals) 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 Compression pressure (megapascals) 20 40 60 80 100 Slope: 0.076 Slope: 0.078 Slope: 0.054 Avicel SMCC 50 Avicel SMCC 90 Avicel SMCC HD90 Figure 6 SEM image of SMCC (white spots indicate homogeneous distribution of silicon dioxide over the MCC particle)