Time dependence of elastic recovery for characterization of tableting materials

The purpose of this study was to complete information on elastic recovery during a compression cycle by measuring the expansion of the tablet after ejection, and thus, to measure the whole recovery process, which means the time dependency of elastic recovery. Two methods were applied: manual measurement by a micrometer screw, and a continuous measurement by thermomechanical analysis, always at a constant temperature and humidity. Elastic recovery of the tablet continued after ejection from the die, and the amount of expansion was different for the tableting materials used. The results showed that expansion continued for most of the materials over several days, until a steady state of the tablet and its physical properties was reached. The extent and the profiles of the elastic recovery curves were different for the tableting materials dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, carrageenan, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose acetate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and theophylline monohydrate. There were slight differences between both the methods used. The profiles of the materials could be related to some properties of the materials.