Microcrystalline Cellulose — E460

Description

1. Product Overview

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) — E460 is a high-purity, refined wood pulp–derived excipient widely used across pharmaceutical, food, and industrial manufacturing sectors. It serves primarily as a binder, bulking agent, and stabilizer, delivering exceptional compressibility and consistent performance in tablet formulation and food processing applications. Its inert nature, high compatibility, and superior functional consistency make it a critical material in modern high-volume production systems.

Strategically, MCC E460 is essential due to its role in enabling cost-efficient, high-speed tablet production and improving product uniformity across regulated industries. It remains a globally indispensable excipient supporting pharmaceutical quality standards and scalable industrial formulation.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Purified partially depolymerized cellulose (C6H10O5)n
• Purity Level: ≥ 95% cellulose content (pharmaceutical / food grade options available)
• Physical Form: Fine white or off-white crystalline powder
• Particle Size: Typically 20–200 μm (grade-dependent)
• Bulk Density: ~0.28–0.40 g/cm³ (varies by grade)
• Moisture Content: ≤ 5%
• pH (10% slurry): 5.0 – 7.5
• Solubility: Insoluble in water and most organic solvents
• Packaging Options:
  • 20 kg kraft paper bags with inner PE liner
  • 25 kg fiber drums (industrial export grade)
  • Bulk FIBC jumbo bags (500–1000 kg)
• Shelf Life: 24–36 months under dry, cool storage conditions

3. Core Industrial Applications

Microcrystalline Cellulose E460 is extensively used in the pharmaceutical industry as a tablet binder, disintegrant, and filler, enabling uniform compression and high mechanical strength in solid dosage forms. In the food industry, it functions as a fat replacer, stabilizer, and anti-caking agent, improving texture and shelf stability in processed foods.

In cosmetics and personal care, MCC enhances product viscosity, stability, and sensory feel in creams and lotions. Compared to alternative binders and fillers, MCC delivers superior compressibility, lower formulation variability, and improved process efficiency in high-speed manufacturing environments.

4. Competitive Advantages

• High batch-to-batch consistency ensuring reliable industrial performance
• Pharmaceutical-grade compliance aligned with global pharmacopeia standards (USP/EP/BP equivalents)
• Stable global supply chain supporting large-scale continuous production requirements
• Cost-efficient formulation performance reducing need for additional excipients
• Environmentally responsible sourcing from renewable plant-based cellulose
• Excellent compressibility & binding efficiency improving production throughput
• Comprehensive technical documentation including COA, MSDS, and regulatory support

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 1 × 20MT
• Bulk Supply Capacity: Scalable monthly shipments up to multi-container volumes
• Loading Capacity:
  • ~20–22 MT per 20-foot container (depending on packaging type and density)