Product overview
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is purified, partially depolymerised cellulose. It is the most widely used tablet filler and binder for direct compression and wet granulation, and it is also used in food (E460) as a bulking and anti-caking agent.
Grades
| Grade | Particle size | Average size | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH101 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 50 μm | Wet granulation and direct compression |
| PH102 | ≤ 8% on 60 mesh; < 45% on 200 mesh | 100 μm | Direct compression with better flow |
| PH103 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 50 μm | As PH101 with lower moisture |
| PH105 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 50 μm | Most compressible; direct compression of coarse materials |
| PH112 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 100 μm | As PH102 with much lower moisture |
| PH113 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 50 μm | As PH101 with much lower moisture |
| PH200 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 250 μm | Large particles for flow and weight uniformity |
| PH301 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 50 μm | Denser PH101 for flow and smaller tablets |
| PH302 | ≤ 1% on 60 mesh; < 30% on 200 mesh | 100 μm | Denser PH102 for flow and smaller tablets |
We supply MCC to the CP, USP or BP/EP monograph you specify and send the TDS and COA for that monograph. Heavy metals ≤ 10 ppm and arsenic ≤ 2 ppm on all pharmaceutical grades. Values are from our current product data. Confirm the exact grade and limits with the TDS and the COA of the lot you test.
Food grade: JECFA specification
For food use (INS 460(i)), MCC is supplied to the JECFA specification. Its limits:
| Test | JECFA limit |
|---|---|
| Assay (as cellulose, dry basis) | ≥ 97% |
| Loss on drying (105 °C, 3 h) | ≤ 7.0% |
| pH | 5.0–7.5 |
| Sulfated ash | ≤ 0.05% |
| Water-soluble substances | ≤ 0.24% |
| Starch | Not detectable |
| Lead | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
Source: FAO JECFA, Microcrystalline cellulose (FNP 52 Add 8, 2000).
Applications
- Pharmaceutical tablets: filler and binder for direct compression and wet granulation
- Capsules: filler
- Food: bulking and anti-caking agent (E460)
Direct compression or wet granulation
MCC deforms plastically under pressure, which gives strong tablets at low compression force. In direct compression, larger and denser grades (PH102, PH200, PH302) improve flow so tablet weight stays uniform. In wet granulation, finer PH101 absorbs granulating liquid and helps form strong, uniform granules; it also acts as a disintegrant because it wicks water into the tablet.
| MCC | Powdered cellulose | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Acid hydrolysis of alpha-cellulose | Mechanical milling of cellulose |
| Crystallinity | Higher | Lower |
| Compressibility | Excellent | Moderate |
| Food code | E460(i) | E460(ii) |
How to choose a grade
PH101 for wet granulation; PH102 or PH200 when flow matters in direct compression; low-moisture grades (PH103, PH112, PH113) for moisture-sensitive actives.
Packing and documents
25 kg multi-wall paper bags with an inner PE liner. Other packing is agreed per order. TDS, SDS and a representative COA are available for every grade, and each lot ships with its COA. Request documents or a sample.
Related products
Related guides
- What is MCC (C6H10O5)n?
- MCC as a wet granulation filler
- MCC as a directly compressible filler
- MCC in food
FAQ
Which monograph do you supply?
CP, USP or BP/EP. Tell us the monograph and edition, and we confirm the grade and send matching documents.
PH101 or PH102?
PH101 has finer particles and compacts well; PH102 has larger particles and flows better in direct compression.
What is the chemical formula of MCC?
(C6H10O5)n, the same as cellulose. MCC is cellulose with shorter chains (degree of polymerisation typically below 400).