Interactions in the ternary powder system microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and colloidal silica —a solubility parameter approach

The intensity of the interactions between the components of the ternary powder system microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and colloidal silica have been predicted using literature and calculated values for their partial solubility parameters. These show that there is a greater interaction between magnesium stearate and colloidal silica than between magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose, consistent with known literature data. With these results predictions can be made concerning the properties of tablets prepared from these ternary mixtures.