Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a purified cellulose-based excipient used as a filler, dry binder and formulation aid in tablet, capsule and related solid-dose manufacturing. Hengyi Technology supports international buyers seeking MCC PH101, PH102 and application-matched grade options with technical documents, representative samples and commercial quotations.
Grade selection should be based on particle-size distribution, bulk density, moisture, flow, compactability, process route and finished-product requirements. Compendial compliance is necessary where applicable, but it does not prove that two suppliers or grades will perform identically in a formulation. Buyers should compare commercial lots and complete their own quality, regulatory and application qualification before routine use.
Request MCC technical data, a representative sample or a commercial quotation.
Available Microcrystalline Cellulose Grade Families
| Grade family | Typical selection reason | Processes commonly evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| MCC PH101 type | Finer particle distribution, compactability and blend uniformity | Wet granulation and selected direct-compression formulas |
| MCC PH102 type | Coarser particles and improved powder flow compared with finer grades | Direct compression and capsule filling |
| Fine MCC grades | Fine-particle matching or specialized formulation requirements | Granulation and controlled low-dose development |
| Low-moisture MCC | Candidate for moisture-sensitive formulations | Application-specific tablet and capsule projects |
Grade names and property ranges can vary by producer. Always review the current specification, test method and certificate rather than approving material from the grade code alone. For a detailed comparison, see our MCC 101 vs 102 selection guide.
Microcrystalline Cellulose Quality and Functional Properties
Particle-Size Distribution
Particle size influences flow, blending, segregation, surface area, die filling and compactability. MCC PH101-type grades are generally finer, while PH102-type grades are generally coarser. The actual distribution, including fine and coarse tails, should be confirmed using the supplier’s stated method and an internal comparative method where appropriate.
Bulk and Tapped Density
Density affects packaging volume, hopper behavior, blend matching and tablet-weight consistency. Evaluate loose bulk density, tapped density and complete-blend behavior. A raw material can pass a simple flow test yet behave differently in commercial feeding equipment. Read the technical guide on MCC bulk density, particle size and tablet weight variation.
Moisture
MCC moisture can influence flow, bonding, lubrication response, microbial risk and the stability of moisture-sensitive ingredients. Request the specified moisture method and range, protect opened bags from humidity and validate the functional moisture window for the formulation.
Compactability and Tabletability
MCC is widely selected for its plastic deformation and bonding contribution during compression. Performance still depends on API properties, excipient ratio, lubricant type and mixing time, press speed, dwell time, compression force and environmental conditions. Compare grades through compression profiles rather than one tablet-hardness result.
Typical Applications
- Direct-compression tablets: dry binding, dilution and process support where blend flow and segregation are controlled.
- Wet-granulated tablets: intragranular, extragranular or split addition according to formulation design.
- Dry granulation and roller compaction: application-specific evaluation of ribbon, granule and downstream tablet performance.
- Hard capsules: filler and formulation support where density, flow and compatibility meet the capsule process.
- Nutraceutical and other regulated products: only when the exact grade, jurisdiction and intended use satisfy applicable requirements.
MCC is an excipient, not an active ingredient. Suitability, permitted use, dosage form and regulatory status must be confirmed by the finished-product manufacturer for each market.
Typical Specification Review
The following items are commonly reviewed during sourcing. Exact limits depend on the offered grade, applicable pharmacopoeia and purchase agreement.
| Specification area | Buyer review |
|---|---|
| Identification and compendial tests | Confirm current required monographs and supplier methods |
| Particle-size distribution | Review method, median and distribution tails |
| Bulk density | Match feeder, blend and packaging requirements |
| Moisture or loss on drying | Define the quality and functional window |
| pH and water-soluble substances | Review according to specification and application |
| Residue and impurity controls | Assess relevant compendial and risk-based requirements |
| Microbiological quality | Set limits for dosage form, market and patient population |
| Functional data | Compare flow, compactability and lot consistency |
Documents Available for Qualification
Depending on the selected grade and project, the technical package may include a product specification, representative Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, compendial statement, manufacturing-site and origin information, analytical-method references, microbiological information, packaging specification, storage recommendation, shelf-life or retest statement and change-notification information.
Buyers should define any additional regulatory, elemental-impurity, allergen, GMO, TSE/BSE, residual-solvent, irradiation or country-specific statements required for their product. Document availability must be confirmed for the exact grade and manufacturing source.
Microcrystalline Cellulose Packaging, Storage and Logistics
MCC is normally supplied in lined bags designed to protect the powder during storage and transport. Packaging size, palletization, labeling and container loading are confirmed in the commercial offer. Store material sealed in a clean, dry area under the conditions stated by the manufacturer. Inspect incoming bags for moisture, damage and contamination, and control the handling of partial bags.
For a freight quotation, provide the requested grade, quantity, destination port or delivery address, preferred Incoterm and packaging requirement. Lead time and minimum order depend on grade, documentation and delivery destination.
How to Qualify a Microcrystalline Cellulose Supplier
Supplier qualification should cover more than one passing COA. Review manufacturing origin, quality systems, batch traceability, raw-cellulose controls, analytical capability, contamination control, deviations, complaints, change notification, continuity and multi-lot consistency. Ask the supplier to identify the exact manufacturing site and ensure that samples represent commercial production.
Run comparative trials with the incumbent material using the same formulation, equipment and process conditions. Evaluate powder flow, blend uniformity, compression behavior, weight variation, tensile strength or hardness, friability, disintegration, dissolution, ejection, sticking and process yield. More detail is available in our MCC supplier qualification guide for direct compression.
Information to Include in Your MCC RFQ
- Required grade family: PH101, PH102, fine or low-moisture type;
- tablet, capsule or other application;
- direct compression, wet granulation or roller-compaction process;
- required pharmacopoeial markets and documentation;
- critical particle-size, density, moisture and microbiological requirements;
- current supplier or grade and the problem you want to solve;
- trial quantity, annual consumption and expected purchasing schedule;
- bag size, pallet and labeling requirements;
- destination country, port and Incoterm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MCC PH101 and PH102?
PH101-type MCC is generally finer and often selected for compactability or wet granulation. PH102-type MCC is generally coarser and often selected for improved flow in direct compression. Exact performance depends on the supplier, formulation and process, so grade names alone do not prove equivalence.
Can MCC from two suppliers be substituted directly?
Not automatically. Products can meet the same compendial monograph while differing in particle size, density, moisture, morphology and functional behavior. Use formal risk assessment, multi-lot comparison, process trials and regulatory review.
Can you provide a representative sample?
Sample availability depends on grade and destination. Send the application, target specification, process, required documents and trial quantity. The sample lot should be recorded and linked to the proposed commercial source.
Which documents should be requested with an order?
At minimum, confirm the agreed specification, lot COA, TDS, SDS, packaging and storage information. Pharmaceutical buyers may require additional compendial, quality, regulatory, traceability and change-control documentation.
Request Microcrystalline Cellulose
To request MCC PH101, MCC PH102 or another microcrystalline cellulose grade, send Hengyi Technology your application, process route, target properties, required compendia, quantity, destination and document list. We will review the project and coordinate available technical information, a representative sample and a commercial quotation.
