Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose

Microcrystalline cellulose is a highly porous particle or powder, in the form of white, odorless, tasteless, and easy to flow. It is insoluble in water, dilute acids, sodium hydroxide solution, and most organic solvents. It has compression molding, adhesion and disintegration effects.

Compressibility

The compressibility is generally measured by the hardness of compressed tablet. Microcrystalline cellulose has a high deformation property, can be pressed into the compressor of a certain shape and firmness, and is highly compressible.

Adsorption

As a porous fine powder, microcrystalline cellulose has a larger specific surface area, and the specific surface area will increase as the content of the amorphous region increase. It can absorb other substances such as water, oil and medicine. Generally microcrystalline cellulose can absorb 2 to 3 times the amount of water, 1.2 to 1.4 times the amount of oil, and also has a larger compatibility with the medicine. Microcrystalline cellulose can absorb water and then swell to disintegrate (collapse) the he molded tablet.

Dispersion

Microcrystalline cellulose can take effect in water by vigorous stirring or the homogenizer, and easily gets dispersed to form a creamy gel. Because the colloidal microcrystalline cellulose contains the hydrophilic dispersant, it can form a stable suspension in water, in the form of white, and opaque “cream” or gel.

When the solid content is 7%, it is a castable “Cream”; while the solid content reaches 15%, it becomes a molded gum. It is a gel with stable thixotropy, can be placed all the year round and can withstand deep frozen and high-temperature sterilization treatment. Moreover, it can form a film or coating on the solid surface of metallic aluminum, glass and so on.

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