Direct compression is a major formulation process in pharmaceutical technology. StarLac® is a new direct compression excipient, produced by spray-drying of α lactose-monohydrate and maize starch. The aim of this study is to study the tablet formation of a compound based on lactose and starch (85:15 w/w) compared to the pure substances and graded physical mixtures. Pressure-time-profiles, pressure-porosity profiles and compactibility-plots help to evaluate the tableting properties.
Second aim is to study in detail the disintegration and drug release from tablets of StarLac® compared to those of the physical mixture and this especially at higher maximum relative densities.