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Send EmailMicrocrystalline Cellulose, MCC, MCC101, MCC102, E460, E460i, 9004-34-6
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (MCC - E460)
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Microcrystalline Cellulose |
| Chemical Name | Microcrystalline Cellulose |
| Synonyms (Turkish) | Mikrokristalin Selüloz, Selüloz Tozu, MCC |
| Synonyms (English) | Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Powder, MCC, Avicel, Solka-Floc, Arbocel |
| E Number | E460(i) |
| CAS Number | 9004-34-6 |
| Appearance | White, opaque, free-flowing powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Tasteless |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Cellulose Polymer Chains (β-D-Glucose units)
Crystalline Regions (Preserved) + Amorphous Regions (Removed)
Structure: Purified, partially depolymerized cellulose obtained by acid hydrolysis of cotton or wood pulp; Crystalline structure is preserved, amorphous regions are removed; White, opaque, free-flowing powder; Insoluble in water but dispersible.
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Microcrystalline Cellulose |
| Chemical Name | Microcrystalline Cellulose |
| Synonyms (Turkish) | Mikrokristalin Selüloz, Selüloz Tozu, MCC |
| Synonyms (English) | Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Powder, MCC, Avicel, Solka-Floc, Arbocel |
| E Number | E460(i) |
| CAS Number | 9004-34-6 |
| Chemical Class | Cellulose derivative; Polysaccharide; Plant fiber |
| Source | Cotton or wood pulp |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Color | White |
| Taste | Tasteless |
| pH (Suspension) | 5.0 – 7.5 |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Test Method / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White, opaque, free-flowing powder | Visual |
| Odor | Odorless | Olfactometric |
| Molecular Weight | Variable (polysaccharide) | – |
| Bulk Density | 0.3 – 0.5 g/cm³ | – |
| True Density | ~1.5 g/cm³ | – |
| pH (10% Suspension) | 5.0 – 7.5 | pH Meter |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble (dispersible) | General Method |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Insoluble | General Method |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 5% | Gravimetric (105°C) |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.5% | Gravimetric (800°C) |
| Water Insoluble | ≥ 99.5% | Gravimetric |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Salmonella | Absent | Microbiological |
| E. coli | Absent | Microbiological |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g | Microbiological |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | Microbiological |
SECTION 3: MCC GRADES AND PROPERTIES
| Grade | Particle Size | Flowability | Compressibility | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCC 101 | ~50 µm (fine) | Low | High | Small tablets, vitamins/minerals, sauces, beverages |
| MCC 102 | ~100 µm (coarse) | High | Medium | Large tablets, ice cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese |
| Avicel PH 101 | ~50 µm | Low | High | Tablet binder, low-dose formulations |
| Avicel PH 102 | ~100 µm | High | Medium | High-dose tablets, direct compression |
| Avicel PH 105 | ~20 µm | Very low | Very high | Very small tablets, superfine particle |
| Avicel PH 200 | ~180 µm | Very high | Low | High flowability applications |
| Solka-Floc | 100 – 900 µm | High | Medium | Cheese, spices, anti-caking |
SECTION 4: PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Step | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Cotton or wood pulp is selected and prepared |
| 2 | Acid Hydrolysis | Cellulose is subjected to controlled hydrolysis with mineral acid (HCl); Amorphous regions are dissolved; Crystalline regions are preserved |
| 3 | Washing | Acid is removed and purified |
| 4 | Drying | Spray-dried to powder form |
| 5 | Grinding and Sieving | Ground to desired particle size |
| 6 | Packaging | Packaged in moisture-proof containers |
SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Thickener | Provides viscosity and body in aqueous systems; Used in sauces, soups, beverages |
| Stabilizer | Stabilizes emulsions and suspensions; Used in dairy desserts, creams |
| Bulking Agent | Provides calorie-free bulk; Used in low-calorie foods and diet bars |
| Anti-caking Agent | Prevents caking in powder products; Used in spices, shredded cheese |
| Fiber Supplement | Functions as dietary fiber; Used in bread, bars, biscuits |
| Fat Replacer | Replaces fat to provide texture in low-calorie products; Used in ice cream, cream cheese |
| Binder / Filler (Tablets) | Used as binder and filler in tablet formulations; Provides tablet hardness and integrity |
| Disintegrant | Facilitates rapid disintegration of tablets in digestive system; Enhances bioavailability |
| Carrier / Oil Absorbent (Cosmetics) | Used as oil absorbent and carrier in cosmetic products; Powders, masks, peels |
| Moisture Retainer (Textile) | Provides moisture balance and softness in fabrics |
| Fiber Reinforcement | Used as strength enhancer in composites and bioplastics |
SECTION 6: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS
| Industry | Application | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Thickener, stabilizer, bulking agent, anti-caking, fiber supplement, fat replacer | Sauces, soups, beverages, dairy desserts, diet bars, spice blends, ice cream, cream cheese, bread, biscuits, chocolate |
| Pharmaceutical | Tablet binder, filler, disintegrant, bioavailability enhancer | Tablets, capsules, vitamin-mineral formulations |
| Cosmetics | Carrier, peeling agent, oil absorbent, texture builder | Masks, powders, peeling products, creams, lotions, emulsions |
| Textile / Composite | Moisture retainer, fiber reinforcement, filler | Fabric softening, composite materials, bioplastics |
| Dental | Microhardness enhancer | Dental resins |
SECTION 7: USAGE RATES
| Application | Typical Usage Rate (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tablets (Filler/Binder) | 10 – 50% | MCC 101 or 102 |
| Food (Thickener) | 0.5 – 5% | MCC 101 or 102 |
| Food (Anti-caking) | 0.5 – 2% | Fine particle |
| Diet Bars | 5 – 15% | As fiber source |
| Cosmetics (Carrier) | 1 – 10% | – |
| Ice Cream (Fat Replacer) | 1 – 5% | – |
SECTION 8: COMMERCIAL BRANDS AND MANUFACTURERS
| Brand | Manufacturer | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Avicel® | FMC / DuPont | Most common brand; PH series (101, 102, 105, 200, 302) |
| Solka-Floc® | International Fiber Corp | High particle size; BW/FCC series |
| Arbocel® | JRS | BC/BE/DC series; Textile and composite applications |
| Emcocel® | – | 50M, 90M, LP, HD series |
| Ceolus® | Asahi Kasei | PH/SC/KG series; High purity |
| Vivapur® | JRS | 101, 102, 105, MCG series |
| Pharmacel® | DFE Pharma | Pharmaceutical applications |
| Comprecel® | Meggle | M, S, QD series |
| Sigmacell® | Sigma-Aldrich | Laboratory grade |
| Microcel® | Blanver | – |
SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Food Grade (E460) | Pharmaceutical Grade | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White, free-flowing powder | White, free-flowing powder | Visual |
| Assay (Cellulose) | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.5% | Gravimetric |
| pH (10% Suspension) | 5.0 – 7.5 | 5.0 – 7.5 | pH Meter |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 5% | ≤ 5% | Gravimetric |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% | Gravimetric |
| Water Insoluble | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.5% | Gravimetric |
| Starch | Negative | Negative | Iodine Test |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 5 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ≤ 1 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | ≤ 0.5 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Salmonella | Absent | Absent | Microbiological |
| E. coli | Absent | Absent | Microbiological |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g | ≤ 500 CFU/g | Microbiological |
| Particle Size | Grade dependent | Grade dependent | Laser Diffraction |
SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 10,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity | Non-irritating |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating |
| Eye Irritation | May cause mechanical irritation (powder) |
| Chronic Toxicity | Non-toxic; FDA GRAS status; Food additive E460 |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic |
| Reproductive Toxicity | No reproductive toxicity |
| Allergenicity | Not an allergen |
| Digestibility | Not digested (functions as dietary fiber) |
| Target Organs | None (non-toxic) |
| Special Toxicity Note | GRAS status; EFSA and FDA approved; Food additive E460; Non-toxic; Zero calorie; Dietary fiber source; Safe for common food and pharmaceutical use |
SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Not classified as hazardous | – | – |
SIGNAL WORD: NONE (not classified as hazardous)
Hazard Pictograms: NONE
Hazard Statements (H-Codes): Not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations.
NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:
| Health | Flammability | Reactivity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | - |
| (Slight health hazard – dust) | (Combustible – dust may form explosive mixture) | (Stable) | (None) |
SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray |
| P264 | Wash hands thoroughly after handling |
| P271 | Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing |
| P312 | Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell |
| P332+P313 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention |
| P362+P364 | Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse |
| P403+P233 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations |
SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air immediately. If respiratory irritation develops (dust inhalation), seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. If irritation persists, get medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. Generally non-toxic. If large quantities are ingested and symptoms occur, seek medical attention. |
SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Combustible organic material. Dust cloud may form explosive mixture with air (if finely dispersed). |
| Hazards Arising from Fire | Thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, foam. |
| Unsuitable Extinguishing Media | Water jet (may spread dust) |
| Special Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing (for surrounding fire). |
| Special Precautions | Prevent dust from entering sewers and waterways. Avoid dust cloud formation. |
SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; PROTECT FROM MOISTURE; Keep away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (plastic bags, fiber drums, paper bags with PE liner). |
| Materials to Protect From | Moisture, high humidity, strong oxidizing agents, direct heat sources |
| Shelf Life | 24 – 48 months (in unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions). |
| Stability Note | Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture; Keep container tightly closed after opening; Protect from excessive humidity and temperature fluctuations. |
| Special Storage Requirements | Store in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse; Avoid exposure to rain, sun, and moisture; Opened containers must be resealed immediately. |
SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-layer Paper Bag | 10 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg | PE-lined kraft paper bag (moisture-proof) |
| Plastic Bag | 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg | PE bag (inner-lined, sealed, moisture-proof) |
| Fiber Drum | 20 kg, 25 kg | PE-lined fiberboard drum |
| Plastic Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE / Polypropylene (moisture-proof) |
| FIBC / Big Bag | 500 kg, 1000 kg | PE-lined, moisture-resistant PP woven bag |
SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated (non-hazardous) |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated |
| IMDG Code | Not regulated (non-hazardous) |
| IATA (Air) | Not regulated (non-hazardous) |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| Transport Temperature | Ambient temperature; Protect from moisture. |
SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union | Food additive E460 approved by EFSA; Not classified as hazardous |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed (TSCA Inventory) |
| USA (FDA) | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) – 21 CFR; Food additive E460 |
| Turkey | Food additive E460; Subject to KKDIK regulation |
| IARC | Not classified (non-toxic, non-carcinogenic) |
| NTP | Not listed |
| OSHA | Not regulated as toxic or carcinogenic substance |
| California (Prop 65) | Not listed |
| Halal | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| GMO-Free | Yes |
| Allergen-Free | Yes |
SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Mikrokristalin Selüloz, Selüloz Tozu, MCC |
| English Names | Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Powder, MCC, Avicel, Solka-Floc, Arbocel |
| E Number | E460, E460(i) |
| CAS Number | 9004-34-6 |
| Commercial Brands | Avicel®, Solka-Floc®, Arbocel®, Emcocel®, Ceolus®, Vivapur®, Pharmacel®, Comprecel®, Sigmacell®, Microcel® |
| Grade Codes | MCC 101, MCC 102, PH 101, PH 102, PH 105, PH 200, PH 302 |
SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) |
| CAS Number | 9004-34-6 |
| E Number | E460(i) |
| Appearance | White, opaque, free-flowing powder |
| pH (Suspension) | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Bulk Density | 0.3 – 0.5 g/cm³ |
| Primary Function | Thickener, stabilizer, bulking agent, anti-caking, binder |
| Main Application Areas | Food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile, composite |
| Shelf Life | 24 – 48 months |
| GHS Signal Word | NONE (not classified as hazardous) |
| UN Number | Not regulated |
| Special Properties | Zero calorie; Dietary fiber source; Non-toxic; Allergen-free; GRAS status; E460 approved |
SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic. FDA GRAS status.
-
Food additive E460 – Approved by EFSA, FDA, and WHO JECFA.
-
Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture from air. Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers.
-
Dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Use appropriate dust control measures.
-
Combustible (organic material). Keep away from open flames and high heat. Dust cloud may form explosive mixture.
-
Insoluble in water – used as dispersion; Does not form solution.
-
Zero calorie – functions as dietary fiber; Provides satiety.
-
Particle size selection – choose correct grade for application (MCC 101 fine, MCC 102 coarse).
-
Food vs pharmaceutical grade – same CAS number but different purity requirements.
-
MCC 101 vs MCC 102 – 101 is finer, higher compressibility; 102 is coarser, higher flowability.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Food Industry (E460): Use as thickener, stabilizer, anti-caking, and fiber supplement; Soups, sauces, ice cream, cream cheese, bread, biscuits; Dosage 0.5-15%; Use MCC 101 or 102.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Use as binder and filler in tablets; Dosage 10-50%; MCC 101 for small tablets, MCC 102 for large tablets; Suitable for direct compression and wet granulation.
Cosmetics: Use as carrier, oil absorbent, and peeling agent; Masks, powders, peeling products; Dosage 1-10%; Use MCC 101 or 102.
Textile and Composite: Use as moisture retainer and fiber reinforcement; Fabric softening, composite materials; Dosage depends on formulation.
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks (N95/FFP2) when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles.
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (N95/FFP2 or higher), safety goggles, protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene). Not required for solution handling.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using.
Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture, rain, sunlight, and high humidity; Opened packages should be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 24-48 months under proper conditions.
Spill Management: Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways.
Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Non-hazardous waste; Biodegradable; Can be disposed of in compliance with regulations.
MCC 101 vs MCC 102 COMPARISON:
| Property | MCC 101 | MCC 102 |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Size | ~50 µm (fine) | ~100 µm (coarse) |
| Flowability | Low | High |
| Compressibility | High | Medium |
| Tablet Production | Small tablets | Large tablets |
| Food Supplement | Vitamins, minerals | Fiber, protein |
| Food Thickener | Sauces, beverages | Ice cream, cream cheese |
| Anti-caking | Spices | Shredded cheese |
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
