Description
Cellulose powder (C6H10O5)n is refined wood pulp. It is a white, free-flowing powder. Chemically, it is an inert substance, is not degraded during digestion and has no appreciable absorption.
Chemical Properties
Cellulose Powder can be broken down chemically into its glucose units by treating it with concentrated mineral acids at high temperature.
Physical properties
Cellulose has no taste, is odorless, is hydrophilic with the contact angle of 20–30 degrees, is insoluble in water and most organic solvents, is chiral and is biodegradable.
Uses
Cellulose powder is a commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. It has excellent compressibility properties and is used in solid dose forms, such as tablets. Tablets can be formed that are hard, but dissolve quickly. Microcrystalline cellulose is the same as cellulose, except that it meets USP standards.
It's a sustainable reinforcement for making lighter and more sustainable thermoplastic composites for a wide range of applications (e.g. automotive interiors, consumer goods).
Health Hazard
Cellulose powder is inert and is classified as a nuisance dust.
It has little, if any, adverse effect on the lung, and there are no reports of organic disease or toxic effect. The health effects attributed to wood, cotton, flax, jute, and hemp are not attributable to their cellulose content but rather to the presence of other substances.
Cellulose fibers were found in the blood and urine of human volunteers fed dyed cellulose; there were no ill effects.
Side effects
In large quantities cellulose powder provides dietary bulk and may lead to a laxative effect.
Source
Cellulose powder is a safe and inexpensive carbohydrate that comprises the woody parts and cell walls of plants. It is a type of dietary fiber found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
