The need for a reference material of known and reliable sorption properties was recognized and described first in the European COST 90 project on physical properties of foods. Following the recommendations of the COST 90 project, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was made available as a BCR certified reference material in subsequent studies by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements IRMM in 1993.
The reference material CRM 302 became a standard for the validation of the humidity calibration of gravimetric water sorption instruments. In 2015, the distribution of the CRM 302 was discontinued. A new MCC reference material was made available, certified as a proUmid factory standard.
Frequent humidity validation of DVS instruments, using a certified reference material for precise and reliable validation results is highly recommended.
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is widely used in pharmaceutical applications primarily as a binder or diluent in tablet or capsule formulations. Furthermore, it is also used in cosmetics and food technology.
MCC is an almost white, free flowing fine or granular powder consisting of porous particles. The typical particle size ranges between 20 µm and 300 µm.
Various grades of MCC are available which differ in particle size, moisture content and field of application.
