Effect of Tablet Lubricants on Axial and Radial Work of Failure

During diametral compression and axial tensile strength testing force-displacement curves were obtained for tablets of microcrystalline cellulose. The area under the curve, termed work of failure, was determined by planimetry. For each of the five lubricants studied as the concentration of the lubricant was increased in the tablet, the work of failure was considerably less. The effect was especially marked in the axial plane.