Multiple compression of powders in a tablet press

Lactose, magnesium carbonate, phenacetin, microcrystalline cellulose and directly compressible starch compacts were repeatedly compressed in a tablet press, the tablets not being ejected from the die between compressions. When the interval between compressions was 1.3 s, all substances showed a decrease in the maximum force exerted by the tablet press, this being attributed to the formation of a structure of lower porosity. As the intervals between compressions is increased, the decrease in force is reduced, and in the case of microcrystalline cellulose and directly compressible starch, the force exerted at the second compression is greater than that exerted by the first.