The Effect of Humidity on Samples of Microcrystalline Cellulose Taken From the Extrusion/Marumerization Process

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to examine the sorption and desorption of water by various samples of microcrystalline cellulose, MCC (Avicel PH-101), taken from the extrusion/marumerization process, and to provide data that may explain how water affects the MCC polymer matrix during the formation of beads. Two isopiestic (humidity) studies were conducted: the first used samples exposed directly to controlled humidity conditions, whereas the second used samples that were freeze-dried before being exposed to controlled humidity conditions. Water sorption and desorption were determined gravimetrically. When both sets of samples were initially exposed to low-humidity conditions, they reached equilibrium by desorbing water. When these samples were initially exposed to high-humidity conditions, the high moisture content samples desorbed water, whereas the low moisture content and the freeze-dried samples sorbed water to reach equilibrium. When the first set of samples was initially exposed to high- and then to low-humidity conditions, they reached the same water content achieved by being equilibrated directly at the low-humidity condition. However, samples that were initially exposed to low- and then to high-humidity conditions had equilibrium water contents that were lower than those achieved by being equilibrated directly at the high-humidity condition. The original MCC systems exhibit a hysteretic effect above 85%, whereas the freeze-dried systems have a broader range hysteretic effect starting at 20% relative humidity. The results suggest that the internal structure of the MCC polymer fibers must change with the sorption and desorption of water, supporting the autohesion theory.

Interaction of Microcrystalline Cellulose and Water in Granules Prepared by a High-Shear Mixer.

“…[10][11][12] In recent years, near IR spectrometry has been used to investigate the state of water in polymer substances. Water is one of the most troublesome solvents in IR spectrometry due to its strong bands.…”