Description

ABSTRACT
In this study four different formulations of acetylsalicylic acid tablets were investigated, by evaluating the compressional characteristics and tableting properties of these formulations using Heckel and Kawakita equation method. All the formulations investigated complied with British pharmacopeia 2010 tests for weight uniformity, tablet’s crushing strength, friability and tablet disintegration test. The ranking order for friability test is AF4< AF3 < AF2< AF1 this ranking was however reverse for tablet crushing test, AF4> AF3 >AF2>AF1 .An inverse proportionality was observed between the various values obtained for tablet crushing strength and tablet friability. The ranking for the mean yield pressure (Py) as obtained from Heckel plots was AF4>AF1 > AF3 > AF2.. This translate to the fact that formulation AF2 the fastest onset of plastic deformation. However from kawakita plots the Pkb values can be ranked as follows, AF1< AF4 <AF2 <AF3. This also translate to the fact that formulation AF1 shows the highest degree of total plastic deformation. Formulation AF2 even though shows the fastest on set of plastic deformation , the total plastic deformation is however low when compared to other formulations. Formulation AF1 can therefore be adopted for large scale production of acetylsalicylic acid tablet production since tablet formulation with highest plastic deformation creates more contact points for interparticulate bonding , and therefore minimize the problem of lamination and capping, most especially on high speed tableting machine. (Alebiowu, et al 2002)

Keywords; Acetylsalicylic acid, compressional properties, and tableting properties, direct compression.