Energy relations in compression of polymeric materials and granulations

In tablet compression, a force, F, is exerted on a punch penetrating into a tablet die. For a stationary bottom punch, the force on the upper punch is a function, F = f(x), of penetration and this value was previously determined empirically. Since differential energy is force, f(x), multiplied by distance, dx, the integral of f(x)dx between limits should give the energy input into the tablet. The integral yields an expression where energy input is a linear function of the logarithm of the maximally applied pressure, F*, a fact substantiated by the data presented.