90% USP Polyvinylpyrrolidone CAS 9003-39-8 PVP

1. What is Polyvinylpyrrolidone?

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a water-soluble, nonionic polymer consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) monomers. It is the most common type of N-vinylamide polymers. The chemical formula is normally written as:

(C6H9NO)n (CAS No. 9003-39-8)

At room temperature it is a white to milky white hygroscopic powder, odorless or almost odorless, soluble in water and in most organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform, but insoluble in non-polar solvents such as ethers and hydrocarbons. PVP is divided into different grades, such as K15, K25, K30, and K90, based on the K value (which refers to molecular weight), with average molecular weights from several thousand to millions.

PVP molecules include hydrophilic amide groups and lipophilic pyrrolidone rings from the viewpoint of molecular architecture, which makes them typical amphiphilic polymers. This structure provides them colloidal protection, film forming properties, adhesiveness, hygroscopicity, solubilizing and coagulating effects and ability to complex with compounds like iodine. In food it can clarify beer and in scientific research it is a stabilizer for nanoparticles. This multi-functional combination of "amphiphilic + film-forming + complexing" provides a basis for the broad application of PVP in food and scientific research fields.

Chemically, PVP is stable, non-toxic and biocompatible. It is a transparent water soluble film with excellent adhesion to glass, metal and plastic surfaces, and compatible with most inorganic acid salts and various resins. It may also combine with iodine to form povidone-iodine (PVP-I). Store in a dry, sealed container to prevent moisture absorption and clumping.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) of non-industrial grade is mainly used for food processing and scientific research, with specifications primarily of food-grade quality. The following indicators are more relevant to non-industrial grade products than industrial grade products:

K value and purity

Reagent grade reagents generally require a high main content. The application direction is determined by the K value.

II. What are the uses of polyvinylpyrrolidone?

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care (Core Application)

It is used as a primary film-forming component in hairspray, mousse and other styling products. Its film forming properties and water solubility make it washable and good for hair styling. It is also used as a film-forming agent and dispersing stabilizer in skin care and sun protection products, and it is one of the most widely used polymer raw materials in the daily chemical industry.

2. Glue and Paints

PVP adheres extremely well to glass, metal and plastic surfaces. It is widely used in various adhesive formulations, as a dispersant and thickener in coatings and emulsions, due to its hydrophilicity, dispersion stability and thickening properties.

3. Dispersion of ink and pigment

PVP is used as a surface coating agent and dispersant for printing inks and pigments, which helps the pigments to disperse evenly and prevents precipitation and agglomeration. It is used in the production of printing inks, ink jet inks and pigment pastes.

4. Auxiliary for printing and dyeing of textile

PVP is used as a dispersant, thickening and leveling agent in textile printing and dyeing, which can improve the uniformity of dyeing. It is also used in fabric finishing for better hand feel and antistatic properties

5. Additives of detergents

The PVP and its derivatives are used as anti-redeposition agents in detergents so as to preclude dirt washed off from clothes from re-sticking to clothes, thus improving washing performance. They are used in the formulation of laundry powders and detergents.

6. Lithium-ion batteries and conductive materials

PVP is used as a dispersant for lithium-ion battery electrode materials, so that the active materials and conductive agents (such as carbon nanotubes and graphene) can be evenly dispersed, thereby improving the stability of the slurry and the performance of the battery. PVP is an important additive of new energy battery materials.

7. Food & Beverages (Food Grade)

Food grade PVP is used in beer, wine and vinegar for clarification and stabilization. It adsorbs polyphenolic turbidity, prevents cold turbidity and precipitation and is widely used in the beer, fruit wine and beverage industries.

8. Scientific Research and Laboratory Use (Reagent Grade)

PVP is used extensively as a reagent in polymer science, colloid chemistry and nanomaterials research. It is used as a stabilizer and carrier material for coating agents in the synthesis of nanoparticles. It is also a commonly used polymer reagent in analytical chemistry.

9. Household disinfection and care (consumer level)

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) disinfectant is used extensively for home wound disinfection and daily hygiene care. The active ingredient in iodine based disinfectant products in our home medicine cabinets is a complex of PVP and iodine.

Note that non-industrial grade specifications do not mean “no risk.” PVP is generally safe and has good biocompatibility. Products used in food must meet food standards. For reagent-grade products used in experiments, laboratory safety regulations should be followed.

Summary

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a white, hygroscopic, nonionic, water soluble polymer. It is an amphiphilic, film-forming, adhesive and complexing ability makes it a “universal additive” in the fields of food and scientific research. In our everyday life we touch it indirectly through disinfectant products, cosmetics, beer and wine, detergents, lithium batteries and printing coatings. Food-grade PVP is widely used in povidone-iodine disinfectants, beer and wine clarifying agents, nanomaterial stabilizers, household disinfection and care products, and scientific research laboratories. Therefore, food-grade PVP is an important water-soluble polymer to bridge “daily use” and “food and scientific research” in non-industrial applications.