BP-20 is a grade of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a synthetic polymer that is water-soluble and has a wide range of applications across various industries. Polyvinyl Alcohol is formed by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate (PVA). It has the chemical formula C₂H₄O (though its molecular weight can vary), and is typically produced as a white powder or granules that are soluble in water. BP-20 is a specific grade of PVA known for its moderate degree of polymerization and water solubility characteristics, making it suitable for a variety of industrial applications such as adhesives, films, textiles, and coatings.
Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (BP-20):
- Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄O)ₙ
- CAS Number: 9002-89-5 (general PVA)
- Appearance: White powder or granules
- Molecular Weight: Can range from 10,000 to 200,000 g/mol (depending on the degree of polymerization)
- Solubility: Soluble in water (but insoluble in organic solvents)
- Melting Point: Decomposes at 230–250°C (after drying)
- Degree of Hydrolysis: Typically 87-89%, partially hydrolyzed
- pH: Typically neutral to slightly alkaline (around 7-8)
Key Uses of Polyvinyl Alcohol (BP-20):
1. Adhesives and Glues:
Paper Adhesives: BP-20 PVA is commonly used in the formulation of adhesives for paper, paperboard products, woodworking, and textiles. It provides excellent adhesion properties and is known for creating strong, flexible bonds.
Woodworking Adhesives: BP-20 is used in wood adhesives for bonding plywood, particle board, and other wood products. It offers high bond strength, flexibility, and moisture resistance, making it ideal for the woodworking and furniture industries.
Bonding of Textiles and Nonwoven Fabrics: BP-20 PVA is used as a binder in textile coatings and nonwoven fabrics for improving their strength, smoothness, and softness. It also enhances adhesion between different fibers and fabrics.
2. Textile Industry:
Sizing Agent:BP-20 is widely used in the textile industry as a sizing agent for yarns and fabrics. It helps reduce fiber friction, making it easier to weave fabrics and prevents fibers from breaking during production. It also imparts smoothness and prevents dirt from adhering to the fabric.
Textile Coatings: BP-20 is used in textile coatings to enhance the strength, washability, and color retention of fabrics. It provides a protective barrier that improves the durability and resistance of textiles to wear and tear.
Dyeing and Printing: BP-20 PVA is employed as a binder in printing and dyeing processes to help bind dyes to the fabric. It improves the uniformity and durability of colors and prints.
3. Film Production:
BP-20 is used to produce water-soluble films that dissolve in water, making it ideal for single-use packaging, detergent pods, and medical applications such as wound dressings and drug delivery systems.
- Laundry Pods: In the laundry industry, BP-20 is used in the production of detergent pods that dissolve in water, releasing the detergent without leaving any residue.
- Food Packaging: BP-20 is used in water-soluble food packaging films, which are often used for single-serving packaging of food products. These films dissolve in water and leave behind no waste.
4. Cosmetic and Personal Care Products:
Film-Forming Agent: BP-20 PVA is used in cosmetic products as a film-forming agent, helping to form a thin, protective layer on the skin. It is commonly found in facial masks, moisturizers, and lip balms, where it enhances texture and feel.
Shampoos and Conditioners: PVA is also used in shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products for its film-forming and conditioning properties.
Toothpaste: BP-20 is used in toothpaste formulations as a thickening agent, giving the product a gel-like consistency.
5. Emulsifying and Stabilizing Agent:
Emulsions: BP-20 is used in emulsions as an emulsifying agent, helping to stabilize mixtures of oil and water in various formulations. It is widely used in the production of paints, coatings, and cosmetics where uniform dispersion of ingredients is critical.
- Paints and Coatings: In the paint industry, BP-20 is used to improve the stability and viscosity of paints and coatings, ensuring that the components remain evenly mixed and do not separate over time.
- Food Emulsions: BP-20 is also used in the food industry for preparing emulsions such as salad dressings and sauces, improving their consistency and texture.
6. Pharmaceutical Applications:
Drug Delivery Systems: BP-20 PVA is used in the development of drug delivery systems such as hydrogel wound dressings, controlled release tablets, and capsules. It helps in the controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and ensures that the drugs are released gradually over time.
Bioadhesive Wound Dressings: BP-20 is used to create bioadhesive wound dressings, providing a moisture-retentive environment that promotes faster healing. These dressings are often used in the treatment of burns, abrasions, and chronic wounds.
Excipients in Tablets and Capsules: PVA is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder and film-coating agent in the production of tablets, capsules, and oral formulations to ensure consistent dosage and improve product appearance.
7. Paper and Pulp Industry:
Paper Coatings: BP-20 is used in the paper industry as a coating agent to improve the printability, smoothness, and brightness of paper. It enhances the quality of paper and helps achieve high-quality printing results.
Paper Adhesion: BP-20 is used as a binder in the production of paperboard, cardboard, and recycled paper. It helps bind fibers together, improving the strength and quality of the final product.
Corrugated Board: BP-20 is used in the production of corrugated boards for packaging, where it enhances the adhesion between the board layers and improves its durability.
8. Agricultural Applications:
Controlled Release Fertilizers: BP-20 PVA is sometimes used in the agricultural industry to produce controlled-release fertilizers. The polymer helps to encapsulate the fertilizer and release nutrients gradually into the soil, reducing waste and improving nutrient efficiency.
Pesticide Encapsulation: BP-20 can be used to encapsulate pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, providing controlled release and reducing the potential environmental impact of these chemicals.
9. Other Industrial Applications:
Ink and Printing: BP-20 is used as a binder and thickening agent in the production of inks for printing. It improves the adhesion of the ink to paper and ensures that the ink does not spread or smudge easily.
Rubber Coatings: PVA is also used in rubber formulations to improve adhesion and coating properties, especially in automotive and industrial applications.