Physical and Chemical Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose

[Ankit Pulps and Boards Pvt. Ltd.]

Microcrystalline Cellulose Powder comes from the powder of fibrous plant material pulp. The polymerization degree has been reduced by mixing hydrochloric acid. Furthermore, different processes available to synthesize the MCC are reactive extrusion, steam explosion, enzyme-mediated and acid hydrolysis.

On the other hand, it is a valuable additive in the food, pharma, and cosmetic industries.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is obtained from different sources, including chemical composition, structural organization, and physiochemical properties. There is a high demand for Microcrystalline Cellulose in the pharma sector.

Some of the properties that are related to the Microcrystalline Cellulose are as follows:

• Moisture Content Value: Several types of studies have been conducted regarding the moisture content value of Microcrystalline Cellulose. Additionally, the moisture, which is present in the pores of MCC, acts as internal lubrication. Microcrystalline CelluloseSupplier wants the MCC with the lubrication in them. It is for the better transmission for the compression force in it. Therefore, it will hold the tablet properly, decreasing moisture content from them.

• Size of the Particles: The impact of the particle size in the Microcrystalline Cellulose causes is not much. Moreover, the moisture content and the particle size are the two important things, which come in the CMA. It enhances the tableting performance. The reduction of the particle size of the MCC will increase its cohesiveness. Therefore, it can affect the flowability of the substance. The different sizes of MCC particles can influence the tablet characteristics hardness, friability, disintegration, and uniformity of content. The flow of the particles will improve with the increased cohesiveness of the substance.

• Crystalline: The hydrolysis condition will cause little impact on the crystalline of the Microcrystalline Cellulose. Therefore, the regular arrangement of the cellulose polymer chains can control during the hydrolysis procedure. Crystallinity occurs on the dependent form at the pulp source, not at the processing part. The MCC manufacturers follow consistent methods where the acid attacks the pulp continuously. The crystalline degree was more in the water when the MCC dipped in it. The water absorption capacity of the MCC will affect the crystalline nature of its particles during the manufacturing procedures conducted on it.

• Microcrystalline Cellulose morphology: The description of the MCC morphology tells on the length and width of it. Furthermore, it is among the most important factors to improve its tablet ability. The rod-shaped particles have high levels of length and width. On the other hand, the higher strength is in the round-shaped MCC particles. The other physiochemical properties of MCC include bulk density, specific surface area, and moisture content. These properties do not have a connection with the tensile strength of the tablet.

• Direct compression: The direct compression of the Microcrystalline Cellulose is through the dry spray technique. Furthermore, the Microcrystalline Cellulose manufacturers follow this technique for the direct compression of the substance. Therefore, it is helpful to improve the plasticity compressibility of the substance to add them to the tablets. It will increase the bond surface area of the Microcrystalline Cellulose.