Microcrystalline cellulose is a very versatile substance used in the lab. As the name implies, microcrystalline cellulose is basically cellulose and is typically derived from high-quality wood pulp. It is a commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry and has revolutionised tableting because of its unique compressibility and carrying capacity. It compacts well under minimum compression pressures, has high binding capability and creates tablets that are extremely hard yet disintegrate rapidly. Other advantages include low friability, inherent lubricity and the highest dilution potential of all binders.
The chemical composition and physical structure of microcrystalline cellulose depend significantly on the characteristics of the used raw material and the manufacturing conditions. As a result, several types of microcrystalline cellulose are available in the market with different physicochemical and thermal properties. These differences can affect the compactibility and compressibility and subsequently the application of the material.
As a consequence their characterisation must undergo extensive tests for identity, purity, degree of crystallinity, molecular structure and molecular weight (or intrinsic viscosity) to guarantee the behaviour of the excipient according to its application.
This application report shows how to measure the intrinsic viscosity of microcrystalline cellulose with the combination DMA 4500 M Density Meter and Lovis 2000 ME Microviscometer Module. The measurement is performed according to ASTM Test Method D1795, the sample preparation according to USP 36 - NF 31, Monograph: Microcrystalline Cellulose.
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