Brittle fracture propensity measurements on 'tablet-sized' cylindrical compacts.

The brittle fracture propensity test which was originally designed for large, square compacts with a central hole has been modified and extended to compacts of 'tablet-sized' dimensions. This allows a brittle fracture propensity (BFP) index to be measured at strain rates and conditions approaching those normally used in tableting. The BFP indices for microcrystalline cellulose, Tablettose and heavy magnesium carbonate were evaluated at punch velocities of 3.33 and 200 mm s-1 and found to be in good agreement with the results of previous workers.