This study was conducted to assess the disintegration properties of cellulose II excipients named as spray-dried cellulose II (SDCII) and non spray-dried cellulose II (MCCII) in comparison with commercial disintegrants. Swelling and water sorption characteristics were determined by conventional methods. The swelling values, water uptake and percentage of compact volume expansion all suggested that SDCII and MCCII compacts disintegrate by a wicking mechanism similar to that of Polyplasdone-XL, whereas a swelling mechanism dominates for Primojel and Ac-Di-Sol. With commercial binders, SDCII, MCCII and Polyplasdone-XL produced strong, but fast disintegrating tablets. At high levels, their performance as a disintegrant was superior compared to Primojel and Ac-Di-Sol. Disintegration times of the pure excipients revealed SDCII and MCCII to be comparable to Polyplasdone-XL, but faster than Primojel and Ac-Di-Sol. Ibuprofen tablets prepared using disintegrants at all levels released 80% of the drug within 60 min. SDCII and MCCII offer potential for use as a disintegrant in the design and development of solid dosage forms.