A broader base for your success

PVP and more ...

LUVITEC , LUVICROSS
and COLLACRAL VAL
Versatile specialty polymers
for technical applications.
www.luvitec.com

2 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a polymer with wide ranging properties such as:

 Soluble in many systems
 Hygroscopic

 Stabilization
 Solubilization

 Film formation
 Adhesion
 Initial tack
 Complex formation
 Dispersing

 Crosslinkability
 Stable in a wide pH range
 Biological compatibility
 Toxicologically safe
 Binding

3 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

Foreword
It was in late 1930s' that Professor Walter Reppe of BASF first
invented and patented the polymer, PVP. In the more then 70 years
since that significant milestone, we have been continuously
advancing its development to further its applications.
Originally used as a plasma substitute, PVP was introduced to a
wide variety of applications in pharmacy, cosmetics and industrial
production.
BASF's PVP homo- and copolymers are known under the
following brand names for technical applications
LUVITEC ,
LUVICROSS ,
and
COLLACRAL VAL
It has always been our philosophy to provide customers with
solutions to their problems. We view our success as the ability
to bring you specific answers to your problems with our PVP
solutions.
We strongly believe in and welcome mutual collaboration with
you to come together and jointly conceptualize new solutions
with PVP. We hope this brochure is the start of this process.

PVP has many unique performance features, enabling its continued

development into many new and different applications. More obvious
examples include agricultural, adhesive, electronic, membrane and
metal quenching.

4 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

Contents

1.
1.1
1.2
1.3

Selected examples and possible uses

in technical applications
LUVITEC vinylpyrrolidone homo- and copolymers
LUVICROSS crosslinked vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer
COLLACRAL VAL special hydrophobic modified
vinylpyrrolidone/vinylacetate copolymer

2.
LUVITEC
2.1
Vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers LUVITEC K-grades
2.1.1 Product range
2.1.2 Typical product properties
2.2
Vinylpyrrolidone copolymers LUVITEC and
COLLACRAL VAL
2.2.1 Product range
2.2.2 Product description
2.3
Comparison between homo- and copolymers
3.
3.1
3.2

LUVICROSS
Product range and description
Typical product properties

5
7
7

8
9
10
13
14
15
17

18
19

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1. Selected examples and possible uses

in technical applications
1.1

LUVITEC vinylpyrrolidone homo- and copolymers

Field of application
Adhesives
 Glue sticks
 Hot-melt adhesives
 Skin adhesives

Agriculture
 Seed coating and treatment

 Seed pelletizing
 Crop protection
 Fertilizer

Ceramics

Coatings and Inks

 Dispersions and paints
 Catheter coating
 Antifogging coating,
(e. g. ski and diver goggles,
and cockpit windows)
 Inks
Electrical/electronic
 Screens
 Batteries
(e. g. NiCd, NiH, Li ions)
 Printed circuit boards
 Chemical Mechanical Polishing
(CMP)

Advantages/function of the polymer

Provides high degree of initial tack, outstanding adhesion and bonding to paper.
Good adhesion, especially to glass, metal, paper and plastic surfaces (e.g. PP, PE, PET);
particularly suited to the production of remoistenable or water-soluble adhesives.
Viscosity modification, toxicologically safe, ready crosslinking and formation of hydrogels
important properties in the production of flexible, skin-adhesive gels that adhere well.

High performance film forming adhesives in combination with the compatibility to active
ingredients like insecticides and fungicides. Polymer coating prevents damage from frost,
promotes germination and provides improved protection against attack by fungus and mold.
Binder of granules and pellets for improved durability and the ability of the seed to be sown
including dust reduction.
Improved adhesion of the active ingredients to the plant. Stabilization of active ingredients,
solubilization and dispersion.
Binder in granulated form and dispersant of ingredients, for example dye to achieve a
homogenous colored coating; reduction of dust.
Good adhesion, binding and compatibility with raw materials in combination with complete
combustion to improve binding, glaze and color fixation in ceramics.

Use as protective colloid/dispersant and for viscosity modification.

Exploitation of the hygroscopicity and crosslinkability of VP polymers for the production
of catheter coatings having a low coefficient of friction.
Good film formation and adhesion properties as well as crosslinkability for the
production of colorless, transparent coatings having antifogging properties on glass,
polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate surfaces.
Dispersants, improve ink flow and adhesion of the ink to nonporous surfaces.

Use as photoresist in the black matrix process (production of the graphite matrix) in
color screen tubes for improved picture contrast and image resolution.
Coating and binder in electrode manufacture.
Temporary or permanent coating of printed circuit boards. Fixation of and protective
colloid for noble metal suspensions (e.g. Pd).
Additive for the production of CMP slurries.

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Field of application
Membranes
 Ultra- and microfiltration for:
- biomedical applications
(e.g. dialysis)
- water purification
- waste water treatment
- food processing
(e.g. beer and wine filtration)
Metallurgy
 Metal quenching baths

Paper
 Coating of ink-jet paper
 Specialty paper
Photography
 Photographic film/paper

 Developing solution

Polymerization

Textiles + Fibers
 Glass fibers
 Plastic fibers
 Textile fibers

Advantages/function of the polymer

Adjust pore size and pore size distribution; increase membrane permeability;
production of hydrophilic membrane by crosslinking; prevent fouling.
Main use in Polysulfone (PSU), Polyethersulfone (PES) and Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
membranes. High biocompatibility, especially with blood and toxicologically safe.

Control of the cooling process and characteristic by adjusting viscosity.

Aqueous systems provide safer handling (no fire or fume risk) and easy disposal.

The coating improves the absorption of printing ink by increasing the viscosity of the ink
on contact with paper; prevents ink from migrating and smearing.
Improves printability and gloss; use as dispersant and as binder for optical brighteners.

Control of grain growth and grain size distribution of silver halide crystals; prevent fogging;
immobilize optical brighteners or dyes; prevent diffusion into other layers of the film;
increase color luster and image contrast; binder in the halo prevention layer.
As accelerator in developing solution.
Emulsifier for emulsion polymerization; protective colloid for lattices; adjustment of the
rheological properties of lattices. Dispersion of pigments

Protective colloid and film-forming agent in sizing; prevents fiber splicing; auxiliary in
processing and weaving.
Blended with plastic fibers to improve moisture transportation.
Auxiliary in the textile dyeing process; use as a textile surface finish.

7 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

1.2

LUVICROSS crosslinked vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer

Field of application
Coatings
 Ink-jet papers and films

Advantages/function of the polymer

Fixing of pigments and other components of coating formulations as well as

adsorption of solvents for ink-jet papers and films.

Filter aid for technical applications Complexation of polar compounds, like dyes, polyphenols and nitro compounds.
Granules and tablets
 Color pigments
 Agrochemicals

1.3

Accelerate the disintegration of granules in aqueous formulations and stabilize

the suspension obtained.
Accelerate the disintegration of granular formulations (disintegrant).

COLLACRAL VAL special hydrophobic modified

vinylpyrrolidone/vinylacetate copolymer

Field of application

Advantages/function of the polymer

Polymer dispersions
 Thickener

 Protective colloid

Thickening agent for polymer dispersions and other water-based systems, especially
for mixtures with low filler load. Wide pH application range between 3 8, with optimal
thickening at a pH-value of 5. For adjustment of optimal flow and coating properties.
Manufacturing of resin dispersions and for mixing resin solutions into polymer dispersions.

8 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

2. LUVITEC
2.1

Vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers LUVITEC K-grades

PVP is a white, hygroscopic powder with a weak characteristic
odor. In contrast to most polymers, it is readily soluble in water and
a large number of organic solvents, such as alcohols, amines, acids,
chlorinated hydrocarbons, amides and lactams. On the other hand,
the polymer is insoluble in the common esters, ethers, hydrocarbons
and ketones.
PVP is markedly hygroscopic. This property combined with outstanding film formation, initial tack and adhesion to different materials,
high capacity for complex formation, good stabilizing and solubilizing
capacity, insensitivity to pH changes, ready radiation-induced crosslinkability as well as good biological compatibility have made PVP one
of the most frequently used specialty polymers.
PVP is synthesized by free-radical polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone
in water or alcohols with a suitable initiator. By selecting suitable
polymerization conditions, a wide range of molecular weights can be
obtained, extending from low values of a few thousand daltons to
approximately 2.2 million daltons.

LUVITEC K-grades Versatile polymers for technical applications

 Soluble in many systems
 Hygroscopic

 Stabilization
 Solubilization

 Film formation
 Adhesion
 Initial tack
 Complex formation
 Dispersing

 Crosslinkability
 Stable in a wide pH range
 Biological compatibility
 Toxicologically safe
 Binding

9 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

2.1.1 Product range

BASF offers a wide range of vinylpyrrolidone
homopolymers with different molecular weights
(K-values) under the name LUVITEC K. The
products are available as a powder or as
aqueous solutions. Characteristic parameters
of all LUVITEC K-grades are listed in Table 1.
Details of the test methods and product
specifications are available on request.

High molecular weight PVP powders

LUVITEC K 80, K 85, K 90 and K 90 HM
are packed under an inert gas atmosphere
to maintain its molecular weight. This packaging guarantees a storage stability of the
powder product in the original container at
room temperature for at least 3 years.

K-value*

Solids
content in %*

pH-value
(10 % solution)*

Residual NVP
content in ppm*

LUVITEC K 17
powder

15 19

95.0 100.0

3.0 7.0

100

80 180
(40/2/100)

LUVITEC K 30
powder

27 33

95.0 100.0

3.0 7.0

100

80 140
(30/1/50)

LUVITEC K 801
powder

74 82

95.0 100.0

5.0 8.0

100

2500 7000
(20/6/100)

LUVITEC K 851
powder

84 88

95.0 100.0

5.0 9.0

100

5000 20000
(20/6/50)

LUVITEC K 901

88 92

95.0 100.0

5.0 9.0

100

10000 25000
(20/7/100)

LUVITEC K 90 HM1
powder

92 96

95.0 100.0

5.0 9.0

100

15000 30000
(20/7/100)

LUVITEC K 30
solution approx. 30 %

27 33

29.0 31.0

4.0 8.0

100

80 140
(30/1/50)

LUVITEC K 60
solution approx. 35 %

52 62

34.0 36.0

7.0 9.0

300

2000 20000
(35/6/50)

LUVITEC K 85 CQ2
solution approx. 20 %

83 88

19.0 21.0

7.0 9.0

100

5000 15000
(20/6/50)

LUVITEC K 90 CQ

90 98

9.5 10.5

7.0 9.0

50

300 1500
(10/4/100)

LUVITEC K 90
solution approx. 20 %

90 98

19.0 21.0

7.0 9.0

100

10000 40000
(20/7/100)

LUVITEC K 115 CQ2

solution approx. 10 %

114 130

10.5 11.5

7.0 9.0

50

2000 5000
(11/6/100)

powder

solution approx. 10 %

Table 1: Characteristic parameters for LUVITEC K-brands

1 Packaging under an atmosphere of nitrogen
2 Preserved
3 Solid content in %/spindle/rpm

Brookfield-RVT
Viscosity 3
in mPas at 23 C *

* all data in this publication are approx. values. It does not necessarily form part of the product
specification. A detailed product specification is available from our local BASF representative

10 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

2.1.2 Typical product properties

Ash
The ash content is determined by heating the sample to
800 C for 6 h. All LUVITEC K-grades show an ash content of 0.02%. Details of the method can be obtained
on request (Table 3).
Viscosity
The rise in viscosity with increasing concentration depends
essentially on the K-value. While in the case of the low molecular weight K 17 and K 30 grades, a 5 10% increase
in concentration has only a slight effect on the viscosity,
changes by a factor of 5 or more can be found for the high
molecular weight products (Fig.1).

Glass transition temperature

With the exception of LUVITEC K 17 powder, the glass
transition temperatures of LUVITEC K homopolymers
lie within a similar, relatively high temperature of 175
180 C (Table 3).
Particle size distribution
The particle size spectrum of the LUVITEC K powder
grades varies considerably since different drying processes are used to produce the powder (Table 3).
Color
The color is determined using aqueous solutions according
to the method of the European Pharmacopoeia. A guide
value lighter than BY5/B5/R6 applies to all LUVITEC Kgrades. Details of the method can be obtained on request
(Table 3).

EC
K1
1
EC 5
K
90
VIT

VIT

LU

EC

VIT

LU

EC

K-value 90

90

K-value 80

0
K8

VIT

100

LU

water absorption in %

K-value 116
K-value 97

1000

LU

viscosity in mPas at 23 C

Molecular weight
The average molecular weight (Mw) of the LUVITEC
K-grades extends from a few thousand daltons to about
2.2 million daltons. The number-average molecular weight
(Mn) rises in parallel with this from around 2,000 daltons
to around 400,000 daltons. The weight average and the
number average were determined by GPC analyses;

calibration was done with narrowly distributed PVP

samples which had previously been characterized by
light scattering (Table 3).

90
80
70
60
50

ITEC

K-value 55

K 60

LUV

40
30

K 30
K-value 30
LUVITEC
LUVITEC K 17 K-value 17

20
10

10

10
Solids content in %

Figure 1: Dependence of the viscosity on the solids content of aqueous

LUVITEC K-solutions; Brookfield RVT Viscometer, spindle 3,
100 rpm at room temperature

0
0

25

50

100
75
rel. humidity in %

Figure 2: Moisture absorption of LUVITEC K-grades (film thickness: 2 mm)

at 23 C after saturation

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Compatibility and Film Forming Properties

The outstanding compatibility of Polyvinylpyrrolidone with a huge number of compounds
like organic and inorganic salts, dyes, active
compounds, plasticizers, bacteria, blood
opens up a wide field of opportunity and applications for LUVITEC in different industries.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone films are clear, transparent,
hard and brittle. These properties can be
selectively modified, for example, tack and
brittleness, by using plasticizers like: water,
glycerin, glycol, polyglycols, fatty acid
derivates, phthalates, Hexamoll , sorbitol,
cellulose derivates.

Hygroscopicity
The marked hygroscopicity of PVP is sufficiently well known. Moisture absorption is
almost independent of the molecular weight.
The moisture content curve (Figure 2),
determined using a 2 mm PVP film, is
characteristic of all LUVITEC K-grades.

Dialysis Membrane Module based on LUVITEC /ULTRASON Hollow Fiber Membranes

Solubility of PVP
One of the outstanding properties of PVP is its universal solubility both in
hydrophobic and in extremely hydrophilic solvents (Table 2). To produce solutions of PVP from powder, it is advisable to add the powder to the solvent
in portions while stirring; in this way, formation of lumps of powder can be
avoided.
When using higher molecular weight PVPs and also when producing more
concentrated solutions, the rate of dissolution can be significantly increased
by raising the temperature to 50 C 60 C.
Soluble in

Insoluble in

Acetic acid
1,4-Butanediol
Butanol
Butylamine
Chloroform
Cyclohexanol
Diethylene glycol
Dimethyl acetamide
Dimethyl sulfoxide
Ethanol
Ethylene diamine
Ethylene glycol
Formic acid
Glycerin
Isopropanol
Methanol
Methylene chloride
Methylcyclohexanone
N-Methylpyrrolidone
Poly(ethylene glycol) 400
Propanol
Propylene glycol
Pyrrolidone
Triethanolamine
Vinylpyrrolidone
Water

Acetone
Butane
Carbon tetrachloride
Chlorobenzene
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexanone
Diethyl ether
Dimethyl ether
Dioxane
Ethyl acetate
Hexane
Methyl acetate
Methyl ethyl ketone
Mineral oil
Petroleum ether
Propane
Tetrahydrofuran
Toluene
Xylene

Table 2: Selected solvents for LUVITEC K-grades

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Crosslinkability
High molecular weight LUVITEC K-grades (for example
LUVITEC K 90) can be crosslinked at elevated temperature (70 90 C) by adding small quantities of a peroxide
(for example tert.-butyl peroxipivalate, H2O2/CuCl2) or
persulfate in aqueous solution and under nitrogen. By
contrast, aqueous LUVITEC K 30 solutions can best be
crosslinked by raising the pH to 11 at elevated temperature (approximately 90 C) under nitrogen. PVP films can
be crosslinked even at room temperature by radiation
curing (electron beam, gamma or X-rays) using 0.5
10 megarads.

Crosslinking is also known with UV light in the presence

of a UV initiator (for example 4,4'-diazidostilbene-2,2'di-sodium sulfonate) at 350 380 nm and a light intensity
of 0.2 0.5 mW/cm2. When crosslinked, PVP becomes
insoluble in all solvents. In contrast to soluble PVP, crosslinked PVP is capable of swelling only in polar solvents
(for example water or ethanol). The extent of swelling depends on the crosslinking density. On account of its outstanding adhesion and physiological compatibility, weakly
crosslinked PVP with a high water content (hydrogel) is
employed as a skin-adhesive gel.

Typical properties of the LUVITEC K-grades

LUVITEC
Molecular weight (GPC):
Mw in kDa*
Mn in kDa*

K 17

K 30

K 60

K 80

K 85

K 90

K 90 HM

K 115

9
2

50
14

450
140

850
200

1100
250

14001
3251

1800
375

2200
400

Ash content in %*

0.02

Rel. Viscosity
(1% in water, 23 C
capillary viscometer)*

1.09
(5%:
1.53)

1.25

1.93

3.09

3.74

5.09

5.69

12.2
(0.1%:
1.33)

Glass transition
temperature in C (DSC)*

110

175

175

180

180

180

180

180

15
25
100

25
75
130

only
available
as
solution

60
160
320

90
180
350

90
180
350

90
180
350

only
available
as
solution

Particle size in m*
(Sympatec-Helos Rodos)
X10%
X50%
X90%
Color (10 % solution,
according to Europ.
Pharmacopoeia)*

brighter than BY5/B5/R6

Moisture absorption
at saturation in %*

20 (50 % rel. humidity, 23 C)

40 (75 % rel. humidity, 23 C)

Table 3:

LUVITEC K 90 powder

* all data in this publication are approx. values. It does not necessarily form part of the product
specification. A detailed product specification is available from our local BASF representative

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2.2. Vinylpyrrolidone copolymers LUVITEC and COLLACRAL VAL

An attractive extension of the PVP product range
with specifically modified properties
By incorporating selected comonomers into the VP polymer chain, specific properties of the VP homopolymers
(LUVITEC K-grades) can be modified. This opens up a
variety of possibilities for new applications. Such comonomers include vinylacetate (VA) and N-vinylcaprolactam
(VCAP).

Modified VP polymers

LUVITEC VA 64

Reduced moisture
absorption and
improved melting
behavior
Reduced moisture
absorption
and tackiness

PVP

LUVITEC VPC 55 K 65 W

Improved
thickener
performance

COLLACRAL VAL

Figure 3: Modified VP polymers: specific changes of product properties

Figure 3 illustrates the different properties copolymers

as compared to VP homopolymers.

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2.2.1 Product range

LUVITEC

VA 64 W

VA 64 P

COLLACRAL VAL

VPC 55 K 65 W

VP/VA

VP/VA

VP/VA

VP/VCAP

40

40

hydrophobic modified

50

aqueous solution

powder

aqueous solution

aqueous solution

Solids content in %*

49 51

95.0

29 31

29 31

K-value*

26 34

26 34

50 60

62 68

pH-value (10 % in H2O)*

5.0 7.0

3.8 6.0

3.5 6.0

6.0 8.0

Product characteristics
Comonomer content in %*
Supplied as

Gardner color scale (20 % in H2O)*

Brookfield RVT

3
1000 3000

1000 3000

1500 2800

8000 20000

(LVT 50 %,

(LVT 50 %,

(30 %, ISO 3219

(RVT 30 %,

sp. 4/60 rpm)

sp. 4/60 rpm)

Shear rate: 25 rpm)

sp. 5/20 rpm)

VP 100/
VA 300

VP 100/
VA 300

VP 100/
VA 100

VP 100/
VCAP 100

Moisture absorption in %
(23 C, 75 % rel. humidity)*

15

15

10

25

Glass transition temperature

in C (DSC)*

105

105

106

170

Molecular weight Mw in kDa (GPC)*

65

65

250

750

Molecular weight Mn in kDa (GPC)*

15

15

40

125

Viscosity in mPas at 23 C /
in water in %*
Residual monomer
content in ppm*

Table 4: The LUVITEC copolymer and COLLACRAL VAL product range:

an overview of characteristic parameters

* all data in this publication are approx. values. It does not necessarily form part of
the product specification. A detailed product specification is available from our
local BASF representative

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2.2.2 Product description

LUVITEC VA 64 is nonionic. It's comonomer

ratio is optimized to make it soluble in both
water and organic solvents such as ethanol,
isopropanol, n-propanol, glycerin, methylene
chloride, esters and ketones. LUVITEC VA
64 powder is not soluble in ether or aliphatic
hydrocarbons without auxiliary solvents.
As compared with PVP homopolymers, the
glass transition temperature of LUVITEC
VA 64 of 105 C is significantly lower, giving
it a markedly improved melting behavior.
LUVITEC VA 64 can be extruded at approx.
130 140 C without the need for further
auxiliaries and is used in various areas as a
hot-melt adhesive.

Water absorption of LUVITEC VA 64 and K

water absorption in %

LUVITEC VA 64
The moisture absorption of PVP can be reduced specifically by the partial incorporation of
less hydrophilic comonomers, such as vinylacetate (Figure 4). LUVITEC VA 64, which
contains 40 wt. % of vinylacetate, has proved
its worth in numerous technical applications.

60

LUVITEC K

50

40
LUVITEC VA 64
30

20

10

20

40

60 75 90
rel. humidity in %

Figure 4: Water absorption of a LUVITEC VA 64 film as a function of the relative humidity at 23 C

after saturation in comparison with LUVITEC K

LUVITEC VA 64

O
LUVITEC VA 64 a vinylpyrrolidone/vinylacetate
copolymer with
 reduced moisture absorption
 improved melting behavior

O
O

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LUVITEC VPC 55 K 65 W
As in the case of LUVITEC VA 64, moisture absorption compared to
the VP homopolymer can be reduced by the partial replacement of VP
by the less hydrophilic vinylcaprolactam. LUVITEC VPC 55 K 65 W
is a good film former. The aqueous solution shows a reversible cloud
point at 65 C.
COLLACRAL VAL
COLLACRAL is a special hydrophobic, modified vinylpyrrolidone/
vinylacetate copolymer with a glass transition temperature of approx.
106 C. Due to the special modification, COLLACRAL VAL can be
used as a thickener in a wide pH-range between 3 8, with optimal
performance at a pH of approx. 5.
In addition COLLACRAL VAL can be used as protective colloid in
the production of resin dispersions and mixing preparation of resin
solutions with polymer dispersions.

LUVITEC VPC 55 K 65 W

O
LUVITEC VPC 55 K 65 W a vinylpyrrolidone/vinylcaprolactam
copolymer with
 reduced moisture absorption
 reduced tackiness

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2.3. Comparison between homo- and copolymers

Solubility

LUVITEC
VA 64

LUVITEC
VPC 55
K 65 W

LUVITEC
K-grades

Product characteristics

VP/VA

VP/VCAP

VP

Acetone

Cyclohexane

Dimethyl sulfoxide

Ethanol

Ethyl acetate

Ethylene glycol

Isopropanol

Methanol

Methylene chloride

Methyl ethyl ketone

N-Methylpyrrolidone

Tetrahydrofuran

Water

Product
properties

LUVITEC
VA 64

LUVITEC
VPC 55
K 65 W

LUVITEC
K-grades

Product characteristics

VP/VA

VP/VCAP

VP

Film formation 1

clear,
colorless

clear,
colorless,
brittle

clear,
colorless,
brittle

The solubility was determined

with powder (or dried polymer
samples).

powder soluble, 5% and

20% solutions can be
produced

powder insoluble

1 = cloud point: approx. 65 C

Table 5: Solubility

Tackiness 2

Crosslinkability

Complex formation
Dyes
Table 6: Special product properties

1 Films cast from 20%,

aqueous solution; film
thickness: approx. 1 2 mm;
dried to constant weight
2 Method according to
Kempf (0 = low tack,
5 = high tack

suitable/available

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3. LUVICROSS
3.1. Product range and description
LUVICROSS a crosslinked and thus,
insoluble vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer, belongs to the class of products called PVPP
(polyvinylpolypyrrolidone).

LUVICROSS Characteristic parameters

The outstanding property of this crosslinked

polymer is its capacity to adsorb dissolved
substances.
 Adsorption
 Swelling capacity
 Chemical stability

Product characteristics

VP homopolymer

Supplied as

powder

Molecular weight*

n.a. due to insolubility

Crosslinking agent in %*

Solids content in %*

94

pH-value (1% Susp. in water)*

58

Moisture absorption in %
(23 C, 75 % rel. humidity)*

30

Water in %* (Karl Fischer)

6.0

Nitrogen in %* (Kjeldahl)

11.0 12.8

Ash content in % (800 C, 6 h)*

0.5

Heavy metals in ppm (as Pb)*

50

Soluble matter in water in %*

2.0

Residual monomer content

Vinylpyrrolidone in ppm
(GC, N-detector)*
Divinylimidazolidinone in ppm
(GC, N-detector)*

25
5

LUVICROSS Adsorption mechanisms and adsorbed compounds

Adsorption mechanisms
Hydrogen bonding
Dipolar interactions
Adsorbed compounds
Phenolic substances
Anionic dyes
H2O2
Iodine
Mycotoxins
*all data in this publication are approx. values. It does not necessarily form part of the product
specification. A detailed product specification is available from our local BASF representative

19 | PVP and more ... | LUVITEC , LUVICROSS and COLLACRAL VAL

3.2

Typical product properties

LUVICROSS
A series of compounds are adsorbed in acid aqueous media or solvent mixtures by the formation of hydrogen bonds or as a result of dipolar interactions. These include for example phenolic
substances, synthetic or natural anionic dyes of the most varied categories, such as anionically
modified azo dyes, azomethine dyes and triphenylmethane dyes (Figure 5). Furthermore, mycotoxins, such as the aflatoxins B1 and G1, zearalenone (Figure 6) or patulin are adsorbed to the
polymer. The hydrogen bonding can be completely reversed by increasing pH.
In addition, PVPP can form complexes with iodine or hydrogen peroxide in powder form or
from solutions. Unlike non-crosslinked, chainlike PVP, PVPP is insoluble in both organic and
inorganic solvents. For this reason, no molecular weight can be determined for PVPP. The
chemical and physical crosslinking of the polymer renders LUVICROSS resistant to extreme
pH-values and elevated temperatures.
For guidance, 95% of the particles of the standard form of LUVICROSS are smaller than 300 m
The determination was carried out by means of laser diffraction on the powder.

LUVICROSS: Interaction
O

HO
-O S
3

H 3C

N=N

+
-M
O

Figure 5: Luvicross : Interaction with an anionic dyes

Figure 6: Luvicross : Interaction with zearalenone

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PVP Technical Applications
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luvitec@basf.com
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The data contained in this publication are based on our current knowledge and experience. They do not constitute the agreed contractual quality of the product and, in view of the many factors that may
affect processing and application of our products, do not relieve processors from carrying out their own investigations and tests. The agreed contractual quality of the product at the time of transfer of
risk is based solely on the data in the specification data sheet. Any descriptions, drawings, photographs, data, proportions, weights, etc. given in this publication may change without prior information.
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