Comparative studies on characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose in pelletization

To discuss the relativity between properties of microcrystalline cellulose(MCC)and pelletization by the process of extrusion-spheronization. First, the microstructure of MCC 101 and MCC 102 was observed, then, the liquid-plastic limit of wetting mass by adding water into MCC was tested using measuring apparatus for liquid-plastic limit, and its physical properties, including hardness, adhesiveness, springness, cohesiveness, resilience and so on was tested using texture analyser, to find out the differences between MCC101 and MCC102. The results showed that both MCC have suitable plasticity and water absorbence. MCC102 has stronger water absorption ability, due to its porosity and large pore volume. The statistics of liquid-plastic limits and TPA properties are common in optimal prescription. Its liquid-plastic limits were above 20 %, and its penetration depth, hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, elasticity, and resilience were in the rage of 3. 0-5. 0 mm, 20 000-30 000 g, (-100)-(-200)g/s, 0. 3-0. 55 and 0. 2-0. 3. 4, 0. 30-0. 35, respectively. The physical properties of wet mass can be determined by liquid-plastic limit and TPA, which provide a quantitative index for the pellet preparation.