Inquiries

Adding hydrophilicity to resins Development Department of Company L, a Resin and Plastic Manufacturer

Impart hydrophilicity to molded parts

PVP polymerization achieves hydrophilic surface

Daily Use Materials
Surface Modification

Solutions

Solution Summary

  • Nippon Shokubai 's PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) is non-ionic, does not inhibit the performance of thermoplastic resins, has excellent compatibility with various resins, and can impart high hydrophilicity to resins.

  • High heat resistance, resistant to coloration, and stable even when melt-kneaded with thermoplastic resins

We have succeeded in making the surface of molded parts hydrophilic by melting and kneading PVP, which is polymerized from a monomer made using our unique manufacturing method!

While gathering information on technologies that could impart hydrophilicity, Mr. K heard about Nippon Shokubai 's PVP. This PVP is made by polymerizing high-purity N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) using a unique manufacturing method, resulting in a water-soluble polymer with few impurities and excellent stability over time, which is not found in other companies.

Mr. K, who was interested in PVP, immediately contacted Nippon Shokubai and learned that PVP has the following features:
"This polymer is non-ionic yet highly hydrophilic, and when melt-kneaded with thermoplastic resins, it does not inhibit the resin's performance and is highly compatible with a variety of resins. In addition, Nippon Shokubai 's products are highly heat-resistant, making them resistant to discoloration, and they are stable even at the kneading temperatures of thermoplastic resins, making them less likely to foam due to decomposition," says Mr. K.

Mr. K thought that if he could melt-mix Nippon Shokubai 's PVP into thermoplastic resin and mold it, he could solve the problems he was facing. Nippon Shokubai immediately provided him with a PVP sample and he began working on a prototype.
The results of the prototype were excellent, and it was confirmed that the material could be melted and mixed well with the resin, and that the hydrophilicity of the part surface improved after molding.

We are currently working on the final prototype to be evaluated by our customers.

Postscript: A representative from Nippon Shokubai Shokubai told us that by copolymerizing Nippon Shokubai 's proprietary N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) with various monomers, it is possible to design products that have new functions not available in the current product lineup. L believes there is potential for further enhancement beyond hydrophilicity, and is considering applying copolymers customized to match the properties of the resin used and the desired functions.

Explore the Solution

1 2