Which term describes the ability of compressed powder to develop strength when forming a tablet?

The term that describes the ability of compressed powder to develop strength when forming a tablet is compactability. Compactability refers to how well a powder can be compressed into a solid form while maintaining its integrity and strength. During the tablet formation process, the particles interact and bond together, which is crucial for ensuring that the resulting tablet can withstand handling, transport, and storage without breaking apart.

Factors such as particle size, shape, and distribution significantly influence compactability, impacting how well the powder can transition from a loose state into a firm, cohesive tablet. A material with high compactability will form strong tablets with good mechanical strength when subjected to compression during the manufacturing process. This attribute is essential for producing tablets that have consistent dosages and performance.

The other options relate to different aspects of powder characteristics or tablet formation but do not specifically address the strength development of compressed powders. Compressibility refers to the volume reduction of a powder under pressure, which is a separate property from compactability. Mottling pertains to uneven color distribution in tablets, and laminating refers to the separation of layers within a tablet, often due to issues during compression or formulation.