Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a polymer of vinyl pyrrolidone. It is divided based on degree of polymerization into soluble PVP and insoluble polyvinyl polypyrrolidone (PVPP). Commercially available PVPs are divided into four viscosity grades by K value (Fikentscher K): K-15, K-30, K-60, K-90, with respective molecular masses of 10000, 40000, 160000, and 360000. K value or relative molecular mass is one of the important factors determining the various properties of PVP.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone is one of the three major new medicinal materials. It can be used for tablets, granules, a cosolvent for injections, glidant for capsules, liquid preparation and dispersant for colorants, stabilizer for enzymes and thermosensitive drugs, precipitant for poorly soluble drugs, and a removal agent and lubricant for eye drops, etc. The combination of PVP with toxins, drugs, and chemical agents can reduce their toxicity. Complexes with iodine are very stable, with good bactericidal effects, reducing toxicity.
Used in industry as a foaming polystyrene additive, gelling agent, stabilizer, fiber treatment agent, paper processing aid, adhesive, and thickener. Some dyes can also be strongly complexed with PVP, which is the basis for polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP as a dye bleaching agent.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP and its copolymer is an important raw material for cosmetics, mainly used for hair styling agents. The film it forms on hair is flexible and shiny, with good combing performance, without attracting dust. Different resins can satisfy different relative humidity and climatic conditions, so it is an indispensable raw material for styling hair cream, hair gel, and mousse. It can also be used as a cosmetic skin care moisturizing agent, base material of grease, hair coloring dispersant, and foam stabilizer. It can improve the consistency of shampoo. Insoluble PVP is a stabilizer for beer, fruit juice, vinegar, wine and so on, improving its clarity, color and taste.
ADI 0-50(FAO/WHO, 2001)
LD50>100g/kg(rats, orally administered)
LD5012g/kg(rats, abdominal injection)
Can be safely used in food (FDA, §173.55, 2000).
Polyvinylpyrrolidone is used in coatings, printing ink, rubber, glass, leather, cosmetics, soaps, plastics, in paper making and as a stabilizer. It acts as a disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets and as a fining to extract impurities. It is used to remove polyphenols in beer.
PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) is a chemical ingredient that, depending on the formulatory requirement, can act as a binder, viscosity controller, emulsion stabilizer, or film former. Its benefits include water and wear resistance, pigment dispersion, a non-greasy feel, and improved stick integrity. PVP is commonly found in waterproof sunscreens, mascaras, and lipsticks in order to improve their wear.
