{"id":3985,"date":"2026-10-09T09:56:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T09:56:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biollachemicals.com\/mcc-101-vs-mcc-102\/"},"modified":"2026-10-09T09:56:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T09:56:55","slug":"mcc-101-vs-mcc-102","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biollachemicals.com\/de\/mcc-101-vs-mcc-102\/","title":{"rendered":"MCC 101 vs. MCC 102: Which Microcrystalline Cellulose Grade for Direct Compression?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is one of the most widely used excipients in tablets and capsules. The two standard grades, MCC 101<\/strong> und MCC 102<\/strong>, have the same chemistry (CAS 9004-34-6) and meet the same pharmacopoeia requirements (USP \/ EP \/ BP). What makes them behave differently in production is their particle size<\/strong>. This article explains which grade fits which process.<\/p>\n

MCC 101 vs. MCC 102 at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nMCC 101<\/th>\nMCC 102<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Typical median particle size<\/td>\napprox. 50 \u00b5m<\/td>\napprox. 100 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flowability<\/td>\nGut<\/td>\nSehr gut<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Compressibility<\/td>\nVery high<\/td>\nHoch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best suited for<\/td>\nFeuchtgranulierung, Sph\u00e4ronisierung, Kapself\u00fcllung<\/td>\nDirektverpressung, schnelllaufende Tablettenpressen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When to choose MCC 102: direct compression<\/h2>\n

In direct compression, the powder blend goes straight from the mixer into the tablet press. Good flow is essential so that every die is filled evenly and tablet weight stays constant. The coarser particles of MCC 102 flow better<\/strong> than MCC 101, which makes it the standard choice for direct compression formulations and for fast-running rotary presses. MCC 102 is also a good choice when the blend contains a high share of active ingredients or fine powders with poor flow.<\/p>\n

When to choose MCC 101: wet granulation and pellets<\/h2>\n

In wet granulation, flow is created by the granulation step itself, so the finer particle size is not a disadvantage. The finer MCC 101 offers very high compressibility<\/strong> and absorbs granulation liquid evenly, which gives strong, uniform granules. MCC 101 is also the classic choice for extrusion and spheronisation of pellets and is used as a filler in capsules.<\/p>\n

Can MCC 101 and MCC 102 be combined?<\/h2>\n

Yes. Many formulators blend both grades to balance flow and compressibility, for example MCC 102 for flow in the main blend and MCC 101 for tablet hardness. Test batches on your own equipment will show the best ratio.<\/p>\n

Do not forget the lubricant<\/h2>\n

MCC-based tablet blends almost always need a lubricant to prevent sticking to punches and dies. The standard choice is Magnesiumstearat<\/a>, added at the end of mixing. Our magnesium stearate is vegan and palm oil-free, which many food supplement brands require.<\/p>\n

Quick decision guide<\/h2>\n