BP-24 is a specific grade of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a synthetic, water-soluble polymer widely used in various industrial and commercial applications. Like other types of PVA, BP-24 is known for its excellent film-forming, adhesion, and solubility properties, making it suitable for use in adhesives, films, textiles, coatings, and many other products.
Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (BP-24):
- Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄O)ₙ
- CAS Number: 9002-89-5 (This is the general CAS number for PVA.)
- Appearance: BP-24 is typically found as a white powder or granules that are odorless in nature.
- Molecular Weight: BP-24 grade typically has a moderate molecular weight in the range of 20,000 to 100,000 g/mol, but this can vary depending on the exact grade specifications.
- Degree of Hydrolysis: BP-24 typically has a degree of hydrolysis between 87% and 89%, meaning that it is partially hydrolyzed (less than fully hydrolyzed PVA, which would be 100%). This makes BP-24 moderately soluble in water but still retains some properties of its vinyl acetate precursor.
- Solubility: BP-24 PVA is soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents. The solubility will depend on the exact degree of hydrolysis and the specific formulation.
- pH: The pH of a water solution of BP-24 is usually neutral to slightly alkaline (around 7 to 8).
- Melting Point: BP-24 does not have a sharp melting point because it decomposes before reaching a clear melting temperature, generally decomposing around 230–250°C.
(Polyvinyl Alcohol is a polymer, so its molecular weight can vary depending on the degree of polymerization.)
Key Uses of Polyvinyl Alcohol (BP-24):
1. Adhesives and Glues:
Paper and Wood Adhesives: BP-24 is commonly used in the production of paper adhesives, especially for applications involving bookbinding, packaging, and corrugated board production. PVA-based adhesives are known for their strong bonding, flexibility, and water resistance, making them ideal for use in paper and woodworking industries.
Textile Adhesives: BP-24 PVA is also used in textile adhesives for bonding fibers, fabric, and other materials. Its strong adhesion properties make it useful for applications in the fabric coating and lamination industries.
Woodworking and Furniture: BP-24 can be used in wood adhesives for bonding plywood, particleboard, and other wooden components due to its excellent strength and durability in wood-based applications.
2. Textile Industry:
Sizing Agent: BP-24 is commonly used in the textile industry as a sizing agent to enhance the strength and smoothness of yarns and fabrics. It prevents fibers from breaking during weaving and gives the final product a smoother finish.
- Weaving: In textile manufacturing, BP-24 helps to reduce friction between yarns and prevent breakage, ensuring high-quality fabrics during the weaving process.
- Textile Coatings: BP-24 can also be used to create coatings for textiles, which enhance strength, flexibility, and water resistance. These coatings are applied to fabrics used in outdoor clothing, upholstery, and industrial textiles.
Textile Dyeing: In the dyeing process, BP-24 serves as a binder to hold dyes onto fibers. Its high hydrolysis allows it to function effectively as a color binder in printing and dyeing applications.
3. Film Production:
Water-Soluble Films: BP-24 is widely used to produce water-soluble films that are used in a variety of single-use packaging applications. These films dissolve in water, making them ideal for products such as detergent pods, medical packaging, and agricultural chemicals.
- Detergent Pods: BP-24 is commonly used in the production of laundry pods and dishwashing pods, where the film dissolves in water, releasing the detergent without leaving any residue.
- Food Packaging: PVA films, including BP-24, are sometimes used in food packaging for single-use portions of products. These films can dissolve in water and are biodegradable, making them suitable for environmentally conscious applications.
Controlled Release Systems: BP-24 is also used in the development of controlled release formulations for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, where the water-soluble film encapsulates the active ingredients and gradually releases them when in contact with water.
4. Cosmetic and Personal Care Products:
Film-Forming Agent: BP-24 is used as a film-forming agent in various cosmetic and personal care products, such as facial masks, hair sprays, moisturizers, and lip balms. It creates a smooth and flexible layer on the skin or hair, helping to improve texture, moisturization, and adhesion.
Conditioners and Shampoos: In hair care formulations, BP-24 is used to improve the viscosity and conditioning properties of shampoos and conditioners. It also enhances the texture of these products, providing a smooth feel after application.
5. Pharmaceutical Applications:
Drug Delivery Systems: BP-24 is used in the formulation of drug delivery systems such as hydrogel-based wound dressings, controlled release tablets, and capsules. Its film-forming ability makes it suitable for applications where the controlled release of pharmaceutical ingredients is required.
- Controlled Release Tablets: BP-24 is used in the formulation of controlled release or extended-release drug tablets, where the polymer helps to encapsulate the active ingredients and gradually release them over time.
- Wound Dressings: BP-24 is also used to produce bioadhesive wound dressings that help in the controlled delivery of active substances like antibiotics, and moisture management to aid healing.
- Tablets and Capsules: BP-24 is used as a binder in the preparation of tablets and capsules for controlled release and to ensure a consistent dose.
6. Emulsifiers and Stabilizing Agents
Paints and Coatings: BP-24 is used as an emulsifier and stabilizing agent in the paint and coating industries. It helps to improve the stability and viscosity of the paint while also ensuring uniform dispersion of pigments and other solid components.
Food Emulsions: BP-24 is used in the food industry to stabilize emulsions such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, and sauces. It provides consistent texture and prevents the separation of oil and water phases.
7. Agricultural Applications
Controlled Release Fertilizers: BP-24 PVA can be used in the production of controlled-release fertilizers. The polymer is used to encapsulate the fertilizer, allowing it to be gradually released into the soil, reducing nutrient loss and improving efficiency.
Pesticide Encapsulation: BP-24 can also be used for the encapsulation of pesticides and herbicides in agriculture. This allows for more efficient delivery of active chemicals to plants and can reduce environmental impact by controlling the release rate.
8. Paper and Pulp Industry
Paper Coatings: BP-24 is used as a coating agent for paper and cardboard to improve printability, smoothness, and brightness. It can be used in coated paper for magazines, labels, printed materials, and packaging.
Paper Strengthening: BP-24 is used in the paper industry to increase the strength and durability of paper products. It can be applied as a binder in recycled paper production, corrugated board, and paperboard for packaging applications.
9. Industrial and Other Applications
Rubber Coatings: BP-24 is sometimes used in the formulation of rubber coatings to improve adhesion and durability in industrial applications, such as in automotive parts and industrial seals.
Ink and Printing: BP-24 is used in inks and printing applications as a thickening agent and binder. It helps maintain the uniformity and viscosity of inks and ensures that the ink adheres well to various surfaces like paper and fabric.