Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Supplier in Malaysia
- Also known as
- MCC
- Cellulose Gel
- E460i
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is purified cellulose that has been partially depolymerised by acid hydrolysis, supplied as a white to off-white, free-flowing powder. ChemTrade handles microcrystalline cellulose enquiries across Malaysia against the grade code and particle size a process actually needs.
MCC is bought by grade rather than by name. The 101 designation near 50 micron suits wet granulation and blending, the 102 designation near 100 micron flows into a die for direct compression, 200 covers awkward blends, and the 301 and 302 designations pack more mass into less volume. The chemistry is identical across the ladder, so particle size and bulk density are the decision.
Tablet and capsule work uses it as diluent, dry binder and disintegration aid in one addition, which is why formulators specify it by code. Food and supplement processors use it for bulking, anti-caking and fat replacement as E460i, cosmetic chemists for texture in dry and pressed products, and laboratories as a chromatography and pellet substrate.
Send the grade code or particle size, the intended use, quantity and delivery location with your enquiry. Packing, documentation and lead time are addressed in the quotation.
- CAS number
- 9004-34-6
- Grade
- MCC 101, MCC 102, MCC 200, high density, food
- Appearance
- white to off-white, odourless, free-flowing powder
Microcrystalline Cellulose grades and forms
We supply several forms to suit different formulating and dosing setups. If you need a size that is not listed, ask us.
| Grade | Form | Assay | Typical use | Packing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCC 101 | fine white powder, nominal 50 micron | — | Wet granulation, roller compaction and general dry blending, where the finer particle supports blend cohesion and content uniformity of a low-dose active. | Pack size and format are confirmed with the quotation. |
| MCC 102 | white powder, nominal 100 micron | — | Direct compression, where the coarser particle feeds the die more freely while keeping the compaction behaviour of the finer grade. | Pack size and format are confirmed with the quotation. |
| MCC 200 | coarse free-flowing powder | — | Blends that hesitate on a high-speed press, and formulations carrying a sticky active or a heavy mineral filler that needs a coarse carrier. | Pack size and format are confirmed with the quotation. |
| High-density MCC (301 and 302) | dense free-flowing powder | — | Small tablets and capsule filling where the available volume is tight and the same dose has to occupy less space. | Pack size and format are confirmed with the quotation. |
| Food-grade MCC (E460i) | white powder | — | Bulking, anti-caking, opacifying and fat-replacement duties in beverage powders, dairy alternatives, sauces, shredded-cheese blends and dry mixes specified as E460i. | Pack size and format are confirmed with the quotation. |
How to buy microcrystalline cellulose from ChemTrade
Request a quote for microcrystalline cellulose
Use the form below to request a quotation. You can also email sales@chemtrademalaysia.com or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white, odourless, free-flowing powder | — |
| CAS number | 9004-34-6 | — |
| Material type | purified cellulose, partially depolymerised by acid hydrolysis of cellulose pulp | — |
| Water solubility | practically insoluble; it disperses into a suspension rather than dissolving | — |
| Particle size | grade dependent, with nominal values such as 50 micron on 101-type and 100 micron on 102-type designations | — |
| Bulk density | grade dependent, and higher on the 301 and 302 designations | — |
| Food additive code | E460i on food-grade material | — |
| Typical grade checks | appearance, particle size, bulk density, loss on drying and pH of an aqueous slurry, as set by the grade being quoted | — |
Microcrystalline Cellulose applications
Safety and handling
Keep the powder in closed containers in a cool, dry area, away from moisture and strong odours, since it picks up both. Minimise airborne dust when charging mixers and follow the safety information issued with the grade quoted.
Common questions about microcrystalline cellulose
What is the difference between MCC 101 and MCC 102?
Both are the same material at a different nominal particle size, so the chemistry does not change. The 101 designation is around 50 micron and suits wet granulation, roller compaction and blending; the 102 designation is around 100 micron and flows better, which is why direct-compression formulations usually call for it.
Is microcrystalline cellulose the same as carboxymethyl cellulose or HPMC?
No. Those two are cellulose ethers, made by substituting the cellulose backbone so the polymer dissolves or swells in water and thickens it. Microcrystalline cellulose has been acid hydrolysed rather than substituted, does not dissolve, and works as a solid diluent and dry binder. State which of the materials your formulation specifies.
Is microcrystalline cellulose the same as powdered cellulose?
No. Both start from purified cellulose pulp, but microcrystalline cellulose is hydrolysed to strip the amorphous regions, which is what gives it its compaction behaviour under a tablet press. Powdered cellulose is milled pulp, behaves differently in compression, and sits under a separate food additive sub-code.
What is silicified MCC and when is it specified?
Silicified grades are microcrystalline cellulose co-processed with a small proportion of colloidal silicon dioxide, which lifts flow and restores compaction that granulation has taken away. Formulators reach for it when a plain grade will not feed or bond well enough. State explicitly whether a plain or silicified grade is wanted, since a developed formulation will not swap between them.
Which MCC grade should I request for direct compression?
Most direct-compression blends start at the 102 designation, moving to 200 when the powder flow is the limiting factor and to the 301 or 302 designations when tablet volume is tight. Send the press type, dose, target tablet weight and any current grade code so the request can be matched rather than guessed.
What details are needed for a microcrystalline cellulose quotation?
Give the grade code or particle size, whether food or excipient use is intended, the quantity, the delivery location and any documentation you need with the shipment. Mention the pack size that suits your handling so packing can be addressed in the same quotation.